Manchester United Agree Two and a Half Year Deal With Mauricio Pochettino

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino to become the club’s next head coach following the dismissal of Michael Carrick. Pochettino is expected to sign a two and a half year contract at Old Trafford, with his appointment likely to be formally announced on Friday, November 13, according to Sky News. The 54 year old will become United’s eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

The move comes after United dismissed Carrick on Thursday following a disappointing start to the season. The club had managed just one victory in its first 10 Premier League matches, leaving the team 18th in the table and inside the relegation zone.

Carrick’s final match ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, with United scoring twice in stoppage time. His departure came less than six months after he was handed a new contract, having guided the team to a third place finish and Champions League qualification last season.

Pochettino, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, is currently in charge of the United States national team. He is expected to complete his international commitments by overseeing the USA’s two Nations League matches against Haiti before taking charge at Manchester United.

His contract with US Soccer reportedly contains a £7 million release clause, which will facilitate his departure. Pochettino’s first match as United manager is expected to be the Premier League encounter against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.

The appointment represents another major attempt by Manchester United to restore stability and return to competing at the highest level. However, questions remain over whether changing the manager alone will be enough to address the club’s deeper problems, particularly after several high profile appointments failed to deliver sustained success since Ferguson’s departure.