By Bhekizenzo Zonele
Manchester United have appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager after sacking Michael Carrick following the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
United have agreed a deal with the United States Soccer Federation to release the 54-year-old Argentine from his contract, and he will officially take charge on 18 November.
Pochettino takes charge of a struggling United side lying 18th in the Premier League with just eight points from 10 matches.
Carrick was sacked on Thursday after a run of poor results, despite guiding the club to a third-place finish last season, winning 12 of his 17 league matches after taking charge in January.
According to Sky Sports News, United will pay approximately £7.4 million to secure Pochettino’s release from his contract with the United States.
In announcing his appointment, Manchester United described the Argentine as renowned for his “high-intensity, attacking style of football, his dedication to building strong, cohesive teams and his outstanding record of developing individual players.”
The club also highlighted his experience, stating: “He has consistently performed at the highest level of football across multiple leagues.”
The former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager has plenty of experience, having taken Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final and won domestic trophies during his time in France.
His most recent success was guiding the United States national team to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Pochettino will complete his remaining commitments with the United States, including matches against Haiti on 14 and 17 November, before taking up his new role.
The Argentine also has the added headache of dealing with uncertainty surrounding captain Bruno Fernandes, who has reportedly rejected two contract extension offers and could be on his way out of Old Trafford.
Fernandes’ current contract runs until the end of the 2026/27 season, although United have an option to extend it for another year.
Pochettino’s first job will be to restore confidence and drag United out of the relegation zone as the club tries to get back to its glory days.
His first match in charge will be against bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November, providing an immediate test of his ability to turn United’s fortunes around.
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