Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly agreed to become Manchester United’s new head coach, with the Argentine expected to complete his move to Old Trafford after fulfilling his remaining international commitments with the United States national team.
The development comes just days after United parted ways with Michael Carrick following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign that left the club struggling in the Premier League relegation zone.
According to reports emerging on Friday, November 13, Manchester United have reached an agreement with Pochettino on a two-and-a-half-year contract, with the formal announcement expected imminently.
Pochettino, who currently manages the United States men’s national team, is expected to remain in charge for the country’s two upcoming matches against Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals before travelling to England to begin his new assignment.
The arrangement allows the 54-year-old to honour his international commitments before officially starting another chapter in his managerial career.
United are reportedly prepared to activate the release clause in his agreement with US Soccer, believed to be worth approximately £7 million, to secure his departure.
His appointment will make him the eighth permanent manager or head coach appointed by Manchester United since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Pochettino arrives at Old Trafford with considerable Premier League experience, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
His most successful spell in English football came at Tottenham, where he transformed the club into regular title contenders and guided them to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, although they eventually lost 2-0 to Liverpool.
He subsequently managed Paris Saint-Germain, winning the French Ligue 1 title before taking charge of Chelsea during the 2023/24 season.
His latest assignment with the United States also provided an opportunity to rebuild his reputation, particularly following the national team’s performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the challenge awaiting him in Manchester could prove significantly more demanding.
United are enduring a difficult campaign, with their poor league performances ultimately costing Carrick his position despite the former midfielder having guided the club to a third-place finish last season and qualification for the Champions League.
Carrick’s dismissal followed a disappointing run of results that included just three victories in 15 matches across all competitions.
The club’s hierarchy reportedly believes the squad possesses enough quality to produce significantly better performances, placing considerable responsibility on the incoming manager to restore confidence, improve consistency and move the team away from the relegation zone.
Pochettino is expected to arrive in Manchester next week, with his first major assignment potentially coming against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
The fixture would provide an immediate examination of his ability to organise a struggling United side against one of their fiercest rivals.
For Pochettino, the appointment represents another opportunity to establish himself among Europe’s elite managers. For Manchester United, it is another attempt to find the stability and identity that have largely eluded the club since Ferguson’s departure.
Whether the Argentine can finally deliver the consistency United desperately need remains to be seen.
