Manchester United have named Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, a decision announced on Friday that follows the dismissal of Michael Carrick.
The club said the current United States coach will take charge from November 18, after his side plays two matches against Haiti. United also reached an agreement with the US soccer federation to release Pochettino and his staff once their duties with the US men’s national team are finished.
Club praises Pochettino’s attacking style and record
United described Pochettino as a coach known for intense, attacking football, and for building tight-knit teams and developing individual players. The club added that he has performed consistently at the highest level across several leagues.
Also read: Manchester United sack Michael Carrick as head coach · Michael Carrick set to be sacked by Manchester United
Pochettino led the United States to the last 16 of the World Cup on home soil earlier this year. He has also managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea in the English top flight.
Pochettino inherits a difficult league position
The task ahead of him is considerable. United have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, and the 20-time English champions sit in the relegation zone after winning only one of their 10 league matches so far.
United’s next game is away at fierce rivals Liverpool on November 22.
Pochettino thanks US players, fans and federation
In a statement released by US Soccer, Pochettino said representing the national team crest had been one of the great honours of his career. He thanked the players for their commitment, the fans for their belief and the federation for its support.
US Soccer chief executive and secretary general JT Batson said the 54-year-old had made a lasting impression on the organisation through his leadership, professionalism and commitment to players and the national team’s culture.
