Headline: Mauricio Pochettino Takes Over as Manchester United’s Head Coach Amid Struggles
Mauricio Pochettino has officially been appointed as Manchester United’s new head coach, succeeding Michael Carrick, who was dismissed on Thursday. This move comes after United’s shaky start to the 2026/27 season.
The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager will assume his role at Old Trafford following a decision to secure his services after a difficult beginning to the campaign. United announced on Friday that they had activated his release clause from the USA national team, although Pochettino will continue to manage the USMNT for their two Nations League fixtures against Haiti during the ongoing international break before arriving in Manchester late next week.
While Pochettino has yet to make an official statement about his new position, he has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the club. Carrick was let go as the club’s leadership felt a change was necessary, with the team languishing in 18th place in the Premier League after winning only one of their first ten matches.
Initially appointed on an interim basis in January after Ruben Amorim’s departure, Carrick earned a permanent two-year contract in May following a successful spell that saw him win 12 of 17 matches and finish third in the Premier League, securing Champions League qualification for the club. However, United’s recent form has declined significantly, highlighted by losses to Bournemouth and Chelsea, and a chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa marked Carrick’s final game.
Now, Pochettino faces the immediate task of revitalizing a struggling side, with hopes that his leadership can lift the team away from the relegation zone. He built his reputation in English football during an impactful tenure at Southampton before joining Tottenham in 2014. Over five years in north London, he turned Spurs into regular contenders for Champions League spots, famously leading them to the final in 2019, where they were narrowly defeated by Liverpool.
After his time at Tottenham, Pochettino managed Paris Saint-Germain, capturing the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France before taking the reins at Chelsea for the 2023/24 campaign. Following that, he led the USA national team for two years. Pochettino’s first major test will be to improve United’s domestic results, with a crucial match against Liverpool at Anfield scheduled for November 22.
