Manchester United have confirmed that Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become their new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford
Pochettino will replace Michael Carrick who was sacked following 10 months in charge on Friday, after United agreed to pay more than £10million to buy him and his backroom staff out of their contracts with the US Soccer Federation.
The 54-year-old Argentine will take charge of the USA’s CONCACAF Nations League double-header against Haiti in Miami on Saturday and Cincinnati on Wednesday before beginning his new job as United boss on Wednesday. His first game will be against Liverpool at Anfield a week on Sunday.
There were no comments from Pochettino or United officials in Friday’s press release confirming his appointment because he remains contracted to US Soccer.
Pochettino said in the USMNT’s statement: ‘The opportunity to represent the USA crest was one of the greatest honors of my career. 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 is due to give a pre-match press conference at 2.15pm on Friday, but is not expected to speak about United until he arrives next week.
United sources say that Pochettino’s experience, philosophy, personality and skill-set make him well suited for the job, as well as his record of developing individual talent and building excellent team cultures.
A statement from the club 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 US Soccer Federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released after the conclusion of their responsibilities with the US 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.
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