‘Heung-min Son’s Former Coach’ Pochettino Leaves U.S. Team to Rescue 18th-Place Man United

[Financial News] Having previously coached Heung-min Son at Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League (EPL), where they formed a mentor-protégé bond, Mauricio Pochettino (54, Argentina), coach of the U.S. national team, is stepping in to rescue Manchester United (Man United), which has fallen into the relegation zone.
Man United announced on its official website on the 13th (local time), “The club has reached an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation for Pochettino and his coaching staff to take charge of Man United after completing their duties with the U.S. national team.” According to local media, including the BBC, the contract runs for two and a half years, through June 2029, and Man United has agreed to pay the U.S. Soccer Federation about $10 million (about 14 billion won) as a buyout fee to sign Pochettino.

Man United’s drastic decision to change managers mid-season was prompted by its dismal results. Michael Carrick, a club legend who was promoted to permanent manager after taking the team to third place as interim manager in January, managed just one win (five draws and four losses) in 10 league games this season. After the team plunged to 18th place in the relegation zone with eight points, the club’s leadership ultimately parted ways with Carrick and tapped Pochettino as its “firefighter.”
Man United explained the reasoning behind the appointment, saying, “Pochettino is renowned for his high-intensity attacking football, his ability to build cohesive teams, and his skill in developing individual players.” Since former manager Alex Ferguson retired after the 2012-2013 season, Man United has not won the league title. Pochettino will become the club’s eighth permanent manager since then, taking on the weighty task of restoring its former glory.

Pochettino began his coaching career at Espanyol (Spain) and went on to manage a number of major clubs, including Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea (all in England), and Paris Saint-Germain (France). At Tottenham Hotspur, he led the team, powered by the “golden duo” of Heung-min Son and Harry Kane, to the 2018-2019 UEFA Champions League final. Since taking charge of the U.S. national team in 2024, he has led it to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Pochettino will lead the U.S. national team through its two CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal matches against Haiti, scheduled for the 14th and 17th, before officially joining Man United on the 18th. His first match back as Man United manager is likely to be the away EPL game against Liverpool on the 22nd.
The U.S. Soccer Federation has been left scrambling after losing a head coach who was under contract through the 2030 World Cup, just three months into his tenure. Local media reported that the federation is likely to sound out Pep Guardiola, and is also considering an internal promotion for Steve Cherundolo, coach of the U.S. Under-23 (U-23) national team.
[email protected] Park Ji-hyun Reporter