Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the new Manchester United manager after Michael Carrick’s sacking.
A second Old Trafford comeback of the week, this time battling from two goals down twice to rescue a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, was not enough to save Carrick’s job and the club announced on Thursday that it had parted ways with him after just 10 games of the season and with his side 18th during the international break.
Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Pochettino has now been confirmed as Carrick’s replacement, bringing his reign as USA manager to a close at the end of the international break.
He was tearful about leaving the USA in a press conference on Friday but said an opportunity the size of United is “difficult to turn down”.
Follow all the latest updates in our live blog below:
Read MoreWhen will Mauricio Pochettino take charge of Manchester United?
Five key problems Mauricio Pochettino must solve first at Manchester United
Destiny brought Mauricio Pochettino to Man United - but one huge question remains
Man United latest updates
- Mauricio Pochettino has agreed a deal to become the next Man United manager
- Pochettino breaks down in tears in USA press conference
- Carrick releases statement after sacking on Thursday
- US reportedly lining up Pep Guardiola to replace Pochettino
Recap: Man Utd confirm Mauricio Pochettino start date after deal agreed to succeed Michael Carrick
15:36 , Miguel DelaneyManchester United have appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager.
The club confirmed their decision to sack Michael Carrick after just 10 games of the season on Thursday, with the club dwindling in 18th heading into the international break.
United have paid US Soccer compensation worth an initial $7m (£5.3m) to get Pochettino out of his existing contract, which ran until the 2030 World Cup. Additional compensation will be required for Pochettino’s trusted coaching staff, including long-time assistant Jesus Perez.
Man Utd confirm Pochettino start date confirmed as he succeeds Carrick
Mauricio Pochettino reveals when he was contacted about replacing Michael Carrick
15:25 , Will CastleMauricio Pochettino said he received contact from Manchester United on Sunday about possibly taking over as manager.
Michael Carrick was not officially sacked until Thursday.
"All was so quick,” he said. “Sunday afternoon, there started to be some contact. We were very transparent [with US Soccer].
"We’ll have time next week to talk about the job at Manchester United. It’s much better to talk now about US Soccer."
Tearful Mauricio Pochettino explains why he swapped USA for Man Utd
15:18 , Will CastleMauricio Pochettino struggled to fight off tears as he held his first press conference since being confirmed as Michael Carrick’s managerial successor at Manchester United.
Tearful Mauricio Pochettino explains why he swapped USA for Man Utd
How Mauricio Pochettino’s Man United could line up against Liverpool
15:00 , Michael JonesMauricio Pochettino is the new head coach of Manchester United having agreed to take over following the sacking of Michael Carrick.
His first game in charge will be at the cauldron of Anfield to take on Liverpool on Sunday 22 November and, not only is it a contest imbued with history and rivalry, but it is also a match that United must show signs of improvement in.
Here’s how his first team could shape up:
How Mauricio Pochettino’s Man United could line up against Liverpool
Pochettino leaves
14:49 , Will CastleThat’s all from Mauricio.
His parting message to the press pack: “Thank you guys. Honour to be with you.”
Pochettino wanted to take charge of Haiti games out of respect for his team
14:50 , Will Castle“Before being a professionals we are people,” he said. “The emotional link between us that we built in these two years is to show the commitment and respect and, and the care and the love even if we took a decision that, for one party, is maybe not the best.
“We were open, you know, because I think we have the respect of the players and the staff, and they understand the situation.
“If Manchester United and the Federation agreed on different terms, I would need to respect the agreement, but this has happened and of course all the games are important.”
Pochettino asked why he signed contract extension with USA
14:46 , Will Castle“It’s obvious,” he replied. “I never say that I want to fall back.
“They know there’s not too many opportunities that can happen in your career the size of Manchester United, and when that happens, it’s difficult to turn down that situation.”
US Soccer chief says windfall from release clause will be put towards new coach
14:45 , Will CastleUS Soccer CEO JT Batson said: “The agreement with Manchester United, those funds US Soccer is a non-profit. Those funds are used to hire great coaches, invest in youth development.”
Pochettino staying tight-lipped about Man Utd move
14:41 , Will Castle“I will have time next week to talk about the job at Manchester United,” he said. “But now it's much better to talk about us, USA Soccer.
“We now have two games ahead and now is complete focus on this.”
Pochettino: 'We were very transparent'
14:41 , Will Castle“We were very transparent,” he said.
“We were talking with the federation. Yesterday when things were positive in the way that the agreement was, we had a meeting and I communicated to the player and the whole staff.
“The decision is between the federation and Manchester United that we continue with our job in the camp.
“I think we will have time next week to talk about the job at Manchester United. Now I think it is better to talk about USA soccer and the national team. We have two games ahead and the focus is completely on this.”
Pochettino 'really excited for what's ahead - but now is not the time to talk'
14:39 , Will Castle“It’s a really tough decision but at the same time I’m really excited for what’s ahead,” he said. “But now is not the time to talk, it’s the time to show commitment and to prepare for the next two games.
“The fans are really important for the federation, the players know how to manage and it’s never an ideal situation when this type of thing happens. Like in life, football moves quickly and we need to move forward to keep that relationship. With all the memories we share, all football people understand that situation.”
Pochettino thanks the fans
14:37 , Will Castle“We want to thank the fans for their support, for everything,” he said.
“When these moments arrive they are always tough, not easy decisions. Normally it’s the opposite — you are sacked and you cry because you want to stay and you are sacked. But in this case it’s the opposite.”
Pochettino in tears as he speaks at press conference
14:35 , Will CastleMauricio Pochettino is here and in tears as he reflects on his USA departure.
“A decision that in some part is a very sad decision and in another part that we are professional and are trying to find the next step, try to make your dreams come true and I think the most important thing is what we leave here,” he said.
“The moment that we shared together, all the things that we accomplished and put in place and the standard that we increase in that foundation.”
Mauricio Pochettino press conference coming up
14:15 , Will CastleWe’re expecting Mauricio Pochettino to arrive for his press conference in the next few minutes.
The USMNT manager will no doubt face questions on the Manchester United role he is on the verge of taking.
The ultimate Michael Carrick mistake that left his Man United dream doomed
14:06 , Miguel DelaneyWhen Manchester United finally decided to push ahead with plans to appoint Mauricio Pochettino after a decade of interest, two considerations were key. One was “experience” of a club of this size. Another was “something extra”.
That latter idea had previously formed one of the concerns that some of the United hierarchy had about Carrick on appointing him for the full-time job back in spring. The thinking at the time was that the former midfielder would offer the stability that everyone was talking about, surely returning United to the Champions League that season, but they wondered whether he had the “x factor” for a proper title push. Many felt there was opportunity, because of how many big clubs were going through periods of upheaval, with Pep Guardiola's exit at Man City, while Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola begun adventures at Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.
They just didn’t expect United to be one of them. The speed of the collapse has shocked the club leadership.
The ultimate Michael Carrick mistake that left his Man United dream doomed
Five key problems Mauricio Pochettino must solve first at Manchester United
14:00 , Michael JonesMauricio Pochettino is becoming the latest manager of Manchester United following the sacking of Michael Carrick.
Carrick’s permanent tenure lasted just three months, and he departs the club with United 18th in the Premier League, having won just once in the top flight since the start of the season.
Pochettino will inherit a bruised and battered squad lacking in confidence and in dire need of inspiration in order to turn around their fortunes.
Pochettino’s first match is a trip to Liverpool, and the performance at Anfield could be the catalyst for an uptick in United’s fortunes.
There are plenty of problems facing Pochettino when he arrives at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch, but he must tackle these five in the short term to rebuild confidence in his squad...
Five key problems Mauricio Pochettino must solve first at Manchester United
Harry Redknapp backs Mauricio Pochettino to revive 'real mess' Man Utd
13:53 , Will CastleFormer Spurs manager Harry Redknapp told Sky Sports: “Someone said to me today, ‘What a bad time to take the job’, I said, ‘I could never think of a better time to take over the Man United job’.
“They are rock-bottom. There’s only one way, it’s up.
“It isn’t like David Moyes following Alex Ferguson. David Moyes is a great manager, but following Fergie was impossible.
“Now he (Pochettino) takes over a club that is in a real mess at the moment, and he can only take one take them one way, and that is going to be up.
“I like him. He’s a great character, very clever manager, knows the game, and I’m sure he’ll do a good job.
“But it’s going to be two or three years before you see Man United anywhere near what you’d hope they would be.”
Mauricio Pochettino's credentials
13:48 , Will CastleMauricio Pochettino began his managerial career at Espanyol before moving to Southampton for a 16-month spell in charge.
The Argentine was then appointed as manager of Tottenham in the summer of 2014 and established them as a top four club, taking them to the Champions League final in 2019 before being dismissed less than six months afterwards.
He won three trophies as manager of Paris Saint-Germain including the 2021/22 Ligue 1 title.
In 2023/24 he spent a season as Chelsea boss before being fired in the summer.
Pochettino then replaced Gregg Berhalter as United States Men’s National Team head coach in 2024, following the side’s group-stage exit from the Copa America. He has won 21 of his 35 matches in charge and took the nation to the last-16 of the World Cup this summer.
Sir Alex Ferguson's endorsement of Mauricio Pochettino
13:42 , Will CastleSir Alex Ferguson is already a known fan of Mauricio Pochettino.
"Well the manager has been fantastic," the Scot said back in 2016, with Pochettino then linked with the job several times since 2018.
"They have a bad record of managers, there is no doubt about that. They have had so many over the years, but this lad has composure.
"You never see him ruffled and the way his team play is a testimony to the work he is doing.
"The most important thing for English football is how many English and young players are in his team.
"He understands the advantage of playing young people. They won't let you down and they have been fantastic."
How Michael Carrick's fate was sealed
13:36 , Will CastleMichael Carrick has been at serious peril of the sack for nearly three weeks now.
Back-to-back humiliations against Como and Bournemouth, two defeats by three goals, left the Manchester United hierarchy discussing next steps in crisis talks at Carrington on Monday 26 October.
Carrick, who was at the United training ground that day watching the U21s, survived those talks and was kept on the manage the trip to Chelsea, which ended in a 2-0 defeat despite signs of improvement.
He clung on by the skin of his teeth in the 3-2 comeback win against Roma in midweek, which could have easily been Carrick’s final game in charge if not for Matheus Cunha’s late heroics.
And while United left it late again on the weekend, scoring two goals in stoppage time to salvage a 4-4 draw against Villa, the resumption of crisis talks in Monaco this week spelled the end for Carrick, with Jim Ratcliffe and the United upper brass calling time on his reign.
Gary Neville explains why Mauricio Pochettino is the right manager for Man United
13:24 , Will CastleGary Neville has spoken on the news that Mauricio Pochettino will become the new manager of Manchester United following the sacking of Michael Carrick on Thursday.
“I’ve always, and I think this is public knowledge... I’ve always wanted Mauricio Pochettino as manager at [Manchester] United,” said Neville.
“I’ve said that numerous times, back when Jose Mourinho was maybe coming to Manchester United, I think maybe when Erik ten Hag came to Manchester United.
“I think he’s a brilliant person, I think he’ll handle the media, I think he understands the size of the club but it’s a monumental task to win everybody else over and get everybody on side and make sure he has a team that can compete.
“But he’s a brilliant coach with great experience and he’s a good man. And I think he also believes in young players and bringing players through and developing them and coaching them, which is what he’s going to have to do at Manchester United.
“I’ve always liked Mauricio Pochettino, whether this is the right point for him to take the Manchester United job, who knows?
“We’ll find out in the next year or two but I’m hoping that he’s made some pretty strong demands on the way in and he’s got control of the club.”
Gary Neville explains why Mauricio Pochettino is the right manager for Man United
USA make Pep Guardiola ‘top target’ to replace Mauricio Pochettino
13:18 , Will CastleNow this is ambitious.
Pep Guardiola is a “top target” to become the next USA head coach with Mauricio Pochettino leaving the role to become Manchester United manager.
USA make Pep Guardiola ‘top target’ to replace Mauricio Pochettino
Man Utd's worst start
13:12 , Will CastleManchester United have made their worst start to a season in 40 years under Michael Carrick this year.
They’ve won just once in the Premier League, against Ipswich Town, and have gained only eight points from the first 10 matches.
Pressure has mounted increasingly on Carrick over recent weeks though United are unbeaten in their last two games with a 3-2 win over Roma in the Champions League followed by a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.
That win over Roma is United’s only victory, across all competitions, in their last 11 games.
Mauricio Pochettino's upcoming fixtures
13:00 , Will CastleMan United’s next fixture is against Liverpool in the Premier League before a run of games against clubs that could firmly place them in a relegation battle should they fail to win them.
These are United’s next six fixtures:
Liverpool (A) - Premier League - Sunday 22 November
Sporting (A) - Champions League - Wednesday 25 November
Brentford (H) - Premier League - Saturday 28 November
Newcastle (A) - Premier League - Wednesday 2 December
Coventry (H) - Premier League - Saturday 5 December
RB Leipzig (H) - Champions League - Tuesday 8 December
Michael Carrick releases statement after sacking
12:54 , Will CastleCarrick goes on: “I know we've not had the results lately, but you've shown me nothing but love and support in times when the easiest thing, and what most end up doing, would be to turn the other way.
“That means more than a win or two.
“That's what makes you who you are.
“That's why I fell in love with this club all those years ago.
“A special thank you to my coaching staff. You gave me everything you had, every single day, and couldn't have asked for any more. I'm incredibly grateful for your loyalty, hard work and support throughout.
“To all the staff behind the scenes, thank you for everything you do for this football club. So much of your work goes unseen, but it never goes unappreciated.
“And to the players, thank you for your efforts and the moments we've shared. I wish you all the very best for what's ahead.
“I want nothing but success for Manchester United. This club has been such a big part of my life and that will never change. I'll always be proud to have played my part and I'll always want the very best for it.
“I'll be right there with you from now on, watching from the sidelines, cheering the lads on.”
Michael Carrick releases statement after sacking
12:53 , Will CastleMichael Carrick has released a statement following his sacking as Manchester United manager on Thursday.
It read: “Dear United fans, I've had the immense privilege of leading Manchester United, the football club that I love.
“There are very few who get to live that and feel it, and for that I'm incredibly grateful.
“With that comes huge responsibility, and to be at Manchester United, you need to understand exactly what that means.
“It's different to anywhere else.
“Ultimately, you need to push to be the best, but there is a culture, there are values and there are behaviours that you have to live by and respect, which have been built over a long period of time.
“It's a football club that is unique, with substance and history that cannot be ignored.
“This is what inspired me every single day.
“I want to say a big thank you to the supporters. I must say, you are a special, rare breed.
“We've had some great times this year and moments we'll all remember. The best thing about being in my position was seeing so many of you lose yourselves in the emotion of those moments, leaving the stadium desperate to come back again next time.
“I just wanted to give you something back.
“That love never dies.
When is Mauricio Pochettino's press conference?
12:48 , Will CastleStill technically the USMNT boss, newly-confirmed Man United manager Mauricio Pochettino will be speaking to the media at 2:15pm GMT, or 9:15am local time.
His side face Haiti tomorrow evening in their first of two Nations League clashes against the Caribbean side over the next week.
Destiny brought Mauricio Pochettino to Man United - but one huge question remains
12:36 , Miguel DelaneyOn Sunday evening, Mauricio Pochettino got the call he had been waiting for.
He and long-time assistant Jesus Perez had frequently asked about Manchester United over the last decade. They would often contact friends in the game who were connected to Old Trafford, looking to find out what was happening, whether there could be an opening.
Pochettino came very close to taking one of those openings on at least three occasions: 2018, 2021 and 2024. Now, elements finally have aligned.
Destiny brought Pochettino to Man United - but one huge question remains
US Soccer gives Mauricio Pochettino his flowers upon his exit
12:28 , Will Castle“Mauricio has left a lasting mark on U.S. Soccer through his leadership, professionalism and commitment to our players and culture,” said US Soccer CEO and secretary general JT Batson.
“What we are most proud of goes beyond the wins. He and his staff raised standards, strengthened our culture and created clearer connections from the Youth National Teams to the senior team.
“Those changes are now embedded in how we operate, and we will keep building on them as we pursue sustained success on the world stage.”
US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone added: “I want to thank Mauricio and his staff for all their contributions over the past two years to move our Men’s National Team forward, and wish him all the best at Manchester United.
“As we look ahead, we have an exciting group of players and our focus at the completion of this Fifa window is on finding the right coaching staff to help us build on the progress we’ve built and lead this team to even more success on the world stage.”
When will Mauricio Pochettino take charge of Manchester United?
12:24 , Jack RathbornMauricio Pochettino is the current manager of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) but has reached an agreement with Man United to sign of as their new head coach. He will start on Wednesday 18 November.
This means Pochettino will be in the dugout for the USA’s upcoming two Concacaf Nations League fixtures against Haiti over the next week.
Man United’s next match comes on Sunday 22 November when they travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool. It will arguably be the most difficult start possible for whoever takes over and it is a game United need to take something from or else they risk dropping further into the relegation zone.
The current international break would usually provide a new manager with time to train and see the squad in action but Pochettino does not have that luxury.
He will report to Carrington shortly after that second Haiti match, though given the time difference between the US and the UK, Pochettino would arrive late in the afternoon or early evening on Wednesday.
Even so, that would give him three full days, Thursday 19, Friday 20 and Saturday 21 to settle into his new environment and have time on the grass with the squad.
Mauricio Pochettino sends heartfelt message to American soccer after confirming exit to Man United
12:13 , Jack Rathborn"The opportunity to represent the USA crest was one of the greatest honors of my career,” Pochettino said after his departure and move to Man United was confirmed.
“We are so grateful to the players for their commitment, to the fans for their belief, and to the Federation for always supporting our staff and creating the opportunities to impact the culture of soccer in this great country,” Pochettino said. “We want to thank Cindy Parlow Cone, JT Batson and Dan Helfrich for their partnership and incredible working relationships throughout our time here.
“There is tremendous talent in the U.S. player pool from the youth teams through to the senior team, and it’s one of the reasons we have so much belief for the future of U.S. Soccer. You will always have a special place in our hearts, and we will be supporting the teams whenever they step on the field."
CONFIRMED: Mauricio Pochettino agrees to become Man United manager
12:07 , Will CastleManchester United have confirmed that Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become manager.
The Argentinian will take charge from 18 November, after fulfilling managerial duties for the USMNT.
A club statement read: “Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the Manchester United men’s head coach from 18 November.
“The club has reached an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released after the conclusion of their responsibilities with the U.S. Men’s National Team.
“The Argentinian is renowned for his high-intensity, attacking style of football, his dedication to building strong, cohesive teams and his outstanding record of developing individual players.”
Good afternoon
12:00 , Will CastleHello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Manchester United’s hunt for a new manager following Michael Carrick’s sacking.
Mauricio Pochettino is on the verge of being appointed as Carrick’s replacement and will speak to the media as USMNT boss this afternoon.
