Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed as the new manager of Manchester United, stepping in to rejuvenate the iconic club following the firing of Michael Carrick.
The experienced coach, who has previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Chelsea, will officially take control on November 18, after completing his responsibilities with the US men’s national team in the CONCACAF Nations League against Haiti.
At the age of 54, Pochettino has reportedly secured a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford, set to remain until the conclusion of the 2028/29 season.
Struggles at Manchester United
Manchester United is currently facing the worst start to a Premier League season in its history, managing just one win from their first ten matches and falling into the relegation zone prior to the international break.
A statement from Manchester United confirmed, “The club has reached an agreement with the US Soccer Federation for the release of Mauricio and his staff following the conclusion of their duties with the US men’s national team.”
Pochettino is well-regarded for his high-octane, attacking style, his commitment to building strong teams, and his proven ability to develop players effectively.
Following his tenure with the US team, where he guided them to the Round of 16 during the recent World Cup, Pochettino expressed his gratitude, stating, “Coaching this national team has been one of the greatest honours of my career.”
A Legacy in Transition
JT Batson, CEO and Secretary General of US Soccer, commended Pochettino for leaving a substantial legacy characterized by his “leadership, professionalism, and dedication to our athletes and the culture of soccer.”
The federation is expected to receive approximately $10 million in compensation, in addition to $2 million for the departure of Pochettino’s coaching staff.
Pochettino began his Premier League managerial journey with Southampton and remarkably finished no lower than fifth during his five seasons with Tottenham, including a Champions League final appearance in 2019.
He claimed his first trophies with PSG, securing the French Cup in 2021 and the Ligue 1 title in 2022, although he did not complete his contract in Paris.
He made a return to coaching with Chelsea in 2023 but lasted only one season, reaching the FA Cup semifinals and participating in the League Cup final without securing a title.
Reviving Manchester United
The former Argentine international now faces a formidable challenge to revitalize the once-dominant 20-time English champions.
Pochettino’s first match is set to be a high-stakes clash against Liverpool on November 22.
His primary goal will be to unite a club marked by significant internal discord.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was benched last month after publicly questioning Carrick’s tactics, and defender Lisandro Martinez publicly criticized the club hierarchy over a lack of investment.
A pressing issue for Pochettino could involve the future of Fernandes, who is reportedly not interested in a second contract offer.
Fan Discontent
Fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the club’s ownership following Carrick’s departure, particularly given his history of winning multiple trophies during Sir Alex Ferguson’s era.
Carrick’s dismissal marked the seventh managerial change since Ferguson retired in 2013.
Despite ongoing protests for over two decades, the Glazer family retains majority ownership of the club, which Malcolm Glazer acquired in a leveraged buyout in 2005, leaving United with substantial debts.
Recent hopes for a new beginning with British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe joining as a minority owner in 2024 have dimmed.
In his farewell message, Carrick expressed his deep affection for Manchester United, stating, “I’ve had the immense privilege of leading Manchester United, the football club that I love.”
He added, “There are very few who get to live that and feel it, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.”
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
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