Pochettino to Man Utd: Two-and-a-Half-Year Deal Agreed – When He Starts and His First Game

Updated 13 Nov 2026, 10:25 · First published 13 Nov 2026

Manchester United have agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Mauricio Pochettino to replace the sacked Michael Carrick, according to reports, with an official announcement expected today. The USA head coach is set to take charge after his final two games with the US team, and his first match would be away at Liverpool on Sunday 22 November.

Has Pochettino been confirmed as Man Utd manager?

Not yet. Sky Sports reported late on Thursday that the two sides had agreed a deal running until summer 2029, with the formal announcement expected on Friday. Pochettino’s contract with US Soccer reportedly includes a £7 million release clause. We will update this article when United confirm the appointment.

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When will Pochettino start?

Pochettino is expected to see out his final two matches in charge of the USA, against Haiti on Saturday and Wednesday, before moving to Manchester. That would leave him only a few days to prepare for his first game, a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday 22 November.

Why did Man Utd sack Michael Carrick?

Carrick was sacked on Thursday with United in the Premier League relegation zone. In a statement, the club said it had reached “the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions”. His coaching staff, including Jonny Evans, Jonathan Woodgate and Steve Holland, have also left the club.

Pochettino, the former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea manager, would be United’s eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Sources: Manchester United, Sky Sports. Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com.