Manchester United have agreed to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new men’s head coach.
The Argentine manager will replace Michael Carrick, whom the club dismissed on Thursday following a difficult start to the season.
Pochettino has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford. He will take charge after completing his commitments with the United States men’s national team.
The 54-year-old is expected to lead the USA in two Concacaf Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti before joining United.
Reports indicate that Manchester United will pay the US Soccer Federation about £7.5m in compensation to secure his release.
Pochettino set for Old Trafford return
Pochettino previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
He guided Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final, where Liverpool defeated them 2-0. He also won domestic titles during his time at PSG.
United considered appointing him in 2022 but eventually chose Erik ten Hag.
His appointment now gives him another opportunity to manage in the Premier League. He will also face the challenge of rebuilding a United side struggling for consistency.
Carrick leaves after disappointing results
United dismissed Carrick on Thursday after a poor run of results.
The former midfielder initially took charge in January 2026 following Ruben Amorim’s departure. He guided United to 12 wins in 17 matches and secured a third-place league finish.
Those results earned him a permanent appointment in May. However, United managed only one Premier League victory in its first 10 matches this season.
A 4-4 draw against Aston Villa proved to be his final match in charge. The result left United 18th in the league table.
Pochettino will now inherit a team under pressure to improve its performances and climb away from the relegation zone.
Liverpool clash awaits new United boss
Pochettino’s first match in charge is expected to be against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
The fixture will provide an immediate test of his leadership as United seek to revive their season.
His arrival also marks another managerial change at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
