Mauricio Pochettino has been confirmed as the new head coach of Manchester United after leaving his position as manager of the United States men’s national team.
The 54-year-old Argentine has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Premier League club following an agreement finalised on Thursday. He is expected to take charge of United for the first time when they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on November 22.
Pochettino replaces Michael Carrick, who was dismissed on Thursday, just 15 matches into the two-year contract he signed in May.
Manchester United reportedly triggered a $10 million release clause in Pochettino’s contract with U.S. Soccer to secure his services.
Sources told ESPN that Pochettino was the only candidate directly approached during the club’s search for Carrick’s replacement and received unanimous backing from United’s leadership.
The former Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Paris Saint-Germain manager emerged as the preferred candidate because of his Premier League experience and history of managing top European clubs.
During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, he worked with prominent players, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
Also Read:Man U pulls the plug on Carrick after disastrous run
Manchester United believe his high-intensity attacking football, tactical approach and experience in managing high-profile dressing rooms will help improve the team’s performances.
United are currently 18th in the Premier League table, having recorded just one league victory this season.
Pochettino will remain in charge of the United States national team for its two Concacaf Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti on Saturday and Tuesday before travelling to England.
Speaking emotionally at a news conference on Friday, Pochettino described his departure from the United States team as the most difficult decision of his career.
“It’s the most difficult decision of my career, but we need to move forward,” he said.
He added that opportunities to manage a club like Manchester United rarely come around and are difficult to turn down.
U.S. Soccer confirmed that Steve Cherundolo would lead the national team’s December camp, while the federation begins the search for Pochettino’s permanent replacement.
U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone and other federation officials are expected to participate in the recruitment process.
ESPN
