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Pochettino confirmed as Manchester United manager, leaves US team in tears

Summarised from 11 outlets · 48 reports · Updated 15 Nov, 05:58 · Archive

Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed Manchester United manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract, replacing sacked Michael Carrick.

Mauricio Pochettino was confirmed as Manchester United's new manager on Friday, replacing Michael Carrick, who was dismissed on Thursday after a run of 11 matches yielding just one win. The Argentine has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and will take charge at Old Trafford on 18 November.

Pochettino held an emotional farewell press conference with the United States men's national team, with whom he had been manager since 2024. He grew tearful as he thanked US Soccer executives and discussed his impending departure. He described the decision to leave as one of the most difficult of his career, saying at one point: "It's obvious. I never said I wanted to go back but they know there aren't too many opportunities that happen in your career like Manchester United. When it arrives, it's difficult to turn down."

United triggered Pochettino's release clause from his US contract, which he had extended in August to run through the 2030 World Cup. The club will pay US Soccer initial compensation worth $7 million, with one outlet reporting a total buyout clause of $10 million. Pochettino said contact from United came on Sunday, insisting he had been transparent with US Soccer throughout the negotiation process.

When asked why he had signed a four-year extension with the US federation just months earlier, Pochettino explained that the contract included protections for both parties in case an opportunity arose. "When we decided together to extend our commitment, it was a commitment for the federation, just in case," he said. "We were very committed. It was to help the federation, just in case that didn't work for four years."

Pochettino will complete his tenure with the US by managing two Concacaf Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti before joining United. He will make his debut for United against Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November. His appointment comes as United languish in 18th place in the Premier League, their worst start to a season in 40 years.

The new manager is expected to be backed in the January transfer window, with a defender and forward identified as priorities. Como midfielder Nico Paz, 22, who scored twice against United in the Champions League, has been linked with a move. United are also likely to strengthen at left-back.

Pochettino's previous managerial roles include Tottenham, where he led the club to the Champions League final in 2019, and Chelsea, whom he managed in the 2023-24 season. Toby Alderweireld, who played under Pochettino at Spurs, told BBC Sport that the Argentine demands discipline and commitment to a clear plan, saying players who do not follow his instructions will be sidelined.

Pochettino confirmed as Manchester United manager, leaves US team in tears
Image: Mirror Sport

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How it is being reported

In this story: Mauricio Pochettino · Manchester United · Michael Carrick · United States men's national team · Liverpool · Como · Tottenham · Chelsea

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log