Mauricio Pochettino is set to take charge of Manchester United after agreeing a contract running until 2029, with the Argentine manager expected to travel to England after completing his final international assignments with the United States men's national team.
The move was confirmed on Friday, November 13, 2026, when U.S. Soccer announced that Pochettino would leave his position as head coach of the USMNT following the team's current international camp to become Manchester United's new manager.
The 54-year-old will remain in charge of the United States for its two upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti on November 14 and 17 before departing for Manchester.
Pochettino agrees Manchester United contract until 2029
Manchester United have agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Pochettino, which is expected to keep him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2029.
The Argentine will replace Michael Carrick, who was dismissed on Thursday following United's poor start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
According to reports, United will pay approximately $10 million (£7.4 million) to secure Pochettino's release from his agreement with U.S. Soccer. Additional compensation is also expected to cover the departure of members of his coaching staff.
The appointment represents the end of a long-running pursuit by Manchester United, who had previously considered Pochettino for the managerial position on several occasions before finally reaching an agreement with him.
Pochettino to finish USA matches against Haiti
Despite agreeing to take over at Manchester United, Pochettino will not immediately abandon his responsibilities with the United States national team.
U.S. Soccer confirmed that he and his coaching staff would oversee both matches against Haiti before completing their departure.
The first leg is scheduled for November 14, while the return fixture will take place on November 17.
U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson praised Pochettino's contribution, highlighting the improvements he brought to the national team's culture, standards and development structure.
Pochettino also expressed gratitude to the players, supporters and federation officials, describing the opportunity to represent the United States as one of the greatest honours of his career.
His departure comes after two years in charge of the national team.
What Pochettino achieved with the United States
Pochettino was appointed USMNT head coach in September 2024.
During his tenure, he recorded 21 victories, 12 defeats and two draws across 35 matches.
He guided the United States to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final and subsequently led the team to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The United States finished top of its World Cup group and recorded its first knockout-stage victory since 2002.
With three victories during the tournament, Pochettino also became the most successful USMNT head coach in terms of World Cup wins.
His work extended beyond results. According to U.S. Soccer, 75 players earned at least one senior international cap during his time in charge, while 11 players under the age of 21 made their senior-team debuts during the team's most recent international window.
Manchester United face urgent rebuilding challenge
Pochettino arrives at Old Trafford at a difficult moment for Manchester United.
The club dismissed Carrick after a disappointing run of results left them 18th in the Premier League, with only one victory from their opening 10 league matches.
Carrick had initially enjoyed a successful spell after taking charge in January 2026, winning 12 of 17 matches and guiding United to third place in the previous campaign.
However, the team's performances declined significantly during the new season, leading the club's leadership to make another managerial change.
Pochettino's immediate responsibility will be to improve United's performances, restore confidence within the squad and move the club away from the relegation zone.
His first match is expected to be against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, giving him limited preparation time following his arrival from international duty.
Pochettino returns to the Premier League
The Manchester United appointment will mark Pochettino's return to English football after previous managerial spells with Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
He established his reputation in England during his time at Tottenham, where he developed a competitive team that reached the 2019 Champions League final.
He later managed Paris Saint-Germain, winning domestic trophies in France before taking charge of the United States national team.
His appointment makes him another high-profile manager tasked with rebuilding Manchester United following the club's difficulties since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.
For Pochettino, the challenge is particularly significant. He will inherit a team struggling for consistency and facing the immediate threat of relegation.
Manchester United supporters will now look towards his arrival and whether his experience in the Premier League can help the club recover.
