ALEX BROWN
The worst-kept secret in football is now official. Manchester United confirmed on Friday, November 13, 2026, that Mauricio Pochettino will become the club’s men’s head coach, one day after they dismissed Michael Carrick. The 54-year-old Argentine leaves his job as head coach of the U.S. men’s national team and has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract that runs to June 2029. He officially starts on November 18.
Why did Manchester United fire Michael Carrick?
Results. United have had a dismal start to the Premier League season and sit in the relegation zone, according to Sky Sports, with only one league win so far, per Roundtable Sports. Carrick, a club legend as a player, had led training sessions earlier in the week before being told on Thursday, November 12, that he was no longer part of the club’s plans. ESPN noted that he won the job permanently only about 10 months ago after a strong spell as interim coach.
Pochettino’s Manchester United deal at a glance
- Announced: Friday, November 13, 2026
- Start date: November 18, after his final USMNT matches this international window
- Contract: two and a half years, to June 2029
- Staff: United reached an agreement with U.S. Soccer for Pochettino and his staff to be released
- Reported buyout: a £7.4 million release clause, according to Roundtable Sports
In its statement, United praised his high-intensity, attacking style and his record of developing players, as reported by CNN. ESPN reports that Pochettino was the only candidate the club spoke to directly during the search.
Who is Mauricio Pochettino?
Pochettino made his name in England at Southampton and then Tottenham, where he led Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final. He later coached Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea before taking the USMNT job in September 2024 to lead the team into the home World Cup. Notably, United interviewed him in 2024 but chose to stick with Erik ten Hag at the time.
What happens to the USMNT?
U.S. Soccer now needs a new head coach. ESPN reports that Steve Cherundolo will lead the team’s December camp while the federation searches for a permanent replacement. Pochettino spoke of the “amazing memories” he made with the national team, according to CNN.
What’s next for Manchester United?
The pressure starts immediately. Reports say his first Premier League match could be a trip to Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, one of the toughest openers imaginable, though fixtures can shift. Sky Sports pundits including Gary Neville and Jamie Redknapp have welcomed the hire, while stressing that fixing the defense and squad fitness will be his first jobs. The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust has called on the club to give him real backing.
Whether this becomes a turning point or another short chapter at Old Trafford may be one of the biggest sports stories of the season.
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Sources: ESPN, CNN, Sky Sports, Goal, Yahoo Sports, Manchester United.