Mauricio Pochettino appointed as Manchester United head coach following Michael Carrick departure

Manchester United has officially confirmed the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach following the departure of Michael Carrick on November 12, 2026. The club reached an agreement with the United States Soccer Federation to allow the manager to join the English side once his current responsibilities with the United States Men's National Team are finished. This leadership change follows a difficult start to the season for the club.

Managerial transition and contract details

The club decided a change was necessary to reach their ambitions following a disappointing season start, according to Manchester United. To secure the services of Mauricio Pochettino, the club paid a release clause of approximately $10 million, which is roughly £7.4 million, to the United States Soccer Federation. Mauricio Pochettino is expected to begin his tenure at Manchester United immediately after the conclusion of the United States Men's National Team quarterfinals in the CONCACAF Nations League against Haiti on November 17, 2026.

The scheduled debut for Mauricio Pochettino at Manchester United is set for November 22, 2026, in a match against Liverpool at Anfield. Reports indicate that the contract for Mauricio Pochettino is intended to run until mid-2029. The 54-year-old manager brings extensive experience to the English Premier League, having previously held managerial roles at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea.

Current club performance and standings

The appointment comes at a critical time for Manchester United as the club currently sits in 18th place in the Premier League. The team has accumulated 8 points through 10 matches played during the current campaign. The club's performance has been marked by several setbacks, including a 3-2 loss to Brighton in the third round of the League Cup.

The club is currently positioned within the Premier League relegation zone. The decision to replace Michael Carrick aims to stabilize the team's trajectory in the league standings. While some reports previously debated whether the appointment was a finalized deal or a verbal agreement, the club has now officially confirmed the move.

International and domestic scheduling

Mauricio Pochettino must first complete his obligations with the United States Men's National Team. His final match with the national side will be the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Haiti on November 17, 2026. Following this fixture, he will transition to his role at Manchester United to prepare for the upcoming match at Anfield.

The management change marks a significant shift for the organization as it attempts to move away from its current low ranking in the Premier League. The club will look to improve its standing from 18th place as the season progresses under the new coaching staff.

Glossary

• United States Soccer Federation — The United States Soccer Federation (USSF), or U.S. Soccer, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official governing body of soccer in the United States. It is a full member of FIFA that governs American soccer at the international, professional, and amateur levels.
• United States Men's National Team — The United States men's national team is a soccer team assembled in 1885. It has participated in multiple FIFA World Cups, including the inaugural tournament in 1930.
• CONCACAF Nations League — The CONCACAF Nations League is an association football competition organized by CONCACAF. It serves as the secondary continental tournament for men's senior national teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
• Anfield — Anfield is a ground where Everton played from 1884 until 1892. During this time, the club became a founding member of the Football League.