London: Manchester United have named Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, replacing Michael Carrick after a disastrous start to the Premier League season that has left the club fighting to escape the relegation zone.

The 54-year-old Argentine will take charge after completing his final two matches with the United States national team against Haiti, according to the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Manchester United confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the federation to release Pochettino and his coaching staff following their remaining international commitments.

The appointment comes at a difficult time for United, who have managed just one victory and eight points from their opening 10 Premier League matches. The club sits 18th in the standings, just one point above bottom-placed Crystal Palace.

United have won only three of their 15 matches across all competitions, raising serious concerns over the team’s performances and direction.

Carrick’s dismissal followed a dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, just two weeks after a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth that saw frustrated supporters boo the players off the pitch.

Pochettino returns to club management after two years with the United States national team, whom he guided to the round of 16 at the World Cup before their campaign ended in defeat to Belgium.

The Argentine took charge of the US team in 2024, replacing Gregg Berhalter following their group-stage exit from the Copa America. During his tenure, he recorded 21 victories in 35 matches.

According to British media reports, Manchester United will have to pay substantial compensation to terminate Pochettino’s contract with the U.S. Soccer Federation, which was originally scheduled to run until the 2030 World Cup.

Pochettino brings extensive Premier League experience, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

He is best remembered for transforming Tottenham into regular top-four contenders and guiding the London club to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.

His managerial career began at Espanyol, where he had also spent a decade as a player across two spells, before moving to Southampton in 2013. He later managed Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, with mixed results.

Despite significant spending on new players, United have struggled to establish a clear identity or deliver consistent performances.

The club’s management will now look to Pochettino’s experience and tactical approach to restore confidence, improve results and steer the former Premier League champions away from the relegation battle.

The appointment was confirmed on November 13, with Pochettino signing a contract until the summer of 2029. His first match in charge is scheduled against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.