Mauricio Pochettino Hopes to Shake United’s Red Flags After Club Confirms Hire

United turns to Pochettino

He takes charge after Michael Carrick was dismissed on Thursday. United had won only three games across all competitions so far in 2026–27, and Pochettino becomes the club’s permanent manager for the eighth time since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.

Pochettino emerged as the leading candidate early in the November international break and signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. At the time, he was still coaching the U.S. men’s national team in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.

A record with promise and questions

Pochettino spent more than five years at Tottenham Hotspur, coaching Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. His standout achievement there was guiding Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final, where they lost to Liverpool.

After a short period at Paris Saint-Germain, he returned to England to manage Chelsea. His time there included conflict with club leaders, defeat in the 2024 Carabao Cup final and the club’s worst Premier League defensive campaign in the modern era, according to the report.

He won no trophies with Tottenham or Chelsea. His silverware came at PSG, where Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé played in Ligue 1.

A demanding task at Old Trafford

Pochettino inherits a United team described as fractured and defensively weak, alongside a front office criticized for its transfer decisions. The report frames the job as a major test for the new manager, whose task is to restore the club’s standing.

The club’s managerial turnover adds to the pressure. The report also questions whether Pochettino will remain in charge four months from now, given how frequently managers leave Old Trafford.

USMNT begins replacement search

Pochettino’s departure leaves U.S. Soccer looking for a new manager. The federation had signed him to a four-year deal in August, intended to keep him through the 2030 World Cup.

The team had recorded four straight wins after reaching the round of 16 at last summer’s tournament. Pochettino had also taken on a larger role with youth teams, named Tyler Adams captain and started blending veterans with younger players.

U.S. Soccer reportedly sees former Manchester City and Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola as its top target. B.J. Callaghan and U-23 manager Steve Cherundolo are also possible candidates, with competitive matches due in March.