Pochettino agrees two-and-a-half-year deal with Manchester United

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino to become their next head coach, following the dismissal of Michael Carrick after a disastrous start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign.

Pochettino is expected to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract running until the summer of 2029, bringing an end to his tenure as head coach of the United States national team.

The 54-year-old is expected to take charge at Old Trafford after overseeing the USA’s two international fixtures against Haiti on Saturday and Wednesday.

His appointment is expected to be formally announced on Friday, November 13.

Manchester United had identified Pochettino as their preferred successor, with the former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager reportedly having a £7 million release clause in his agreement with the United States Soccer Federation.

His arrival follows Carrick’s departure on Thursday, November 12, after United slipped into the Premier League relegation zone, sitting 18th with just one victory from their opening 10 league matches.

The former England international was dismissed less than six months after signing a two-year contract in May, having initially been appointed in January following Ruben Amorim’s departure.

Carrick enjoyed an impressive spell during the second half of last season, winning 12 of his 17 matches and guiding United to third place, securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

However, his side struggled to maintain that momentum this season, with only three victories in 15 matches across all competitions, ultimately costing him his position.

His final match was a dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on November 8.

United twice recovered from two-goal deficits but could not turn the result into a victory.

The decision followed discussions involving chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who oversees the club’s football operations.

Manchester United confirmed Carrick’s departure in a statement, describing the decision as difficult but necessary to achieve the club’s ambitions.

The club also praised his professionalism and contributions during his second spell at Old Trafford.

Pochettino now faces the challenge of restoring stability at one of England’s most successful clubs, which has struggled to establish managerial continuity since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

The Argentine previously managed Southampton and Tottenham in England, leading Spurs to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final before taking charge of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Pochettino’s first assignment is expected to be a difficult Premier League encounter against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, following the international break.

Meanwhile, former United captain Gary Neville has argued that changing managers alone will not solve the club’s problems, pointing to weaknesses in recruitment, leadership and the wider football structure.