Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United amid uncertainty over the manager’s future. The Argentine has managed Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, reached a Champions League final and currently leads the United States national team.
Mauricio Pochettino could be heading back to the Premier League as Manchester United consider their next managerial appointment.
The 54-year-old Argentine has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick, whose position has come under pressure following Manchester United’s poor run of results.
According to ESPN, United’s hierarchy is considering Pochettino alongside other managerial options as the club reviews its direction.
The former Tottenham manager brings considerable Premier League experience. He has also worked with some of football’s biggest stars and reached the Champions League final.
Here are 10 things to know about Mauricio Pochettino and his managerial career.
1. Mauricio Pochettino was born in Argentina
Pochettino was born on March 2, 1972, in Murphy, Santa Fe Province, Argentina.
He started his professional football career as a central defender. He also represented Argentina at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and earned 20 international caps.
2. Mauricio Pochettino started coaching in Spain
After retiring from professional football in 2006, Pochettino moved into management.
He received his first managerial appointment at Espanyol in January 2009. His time at the Spanish club introduced him to top-level coaching and prepared him for opportunities in England.
3. He guided Tottenham to the Champions League final
Pochettino became Tottenham Hotspur manager in 2014.
He spent five years at the club, helping Spurs finish second in the Premier League during the 2016/17 season.
His biggest achievement came in 2019 when Tottenham reached the Champions League final. However, Liverpool defeated them 2-0 in Madrid.
4. He previously managed Southampton
Before joining Tottenham, Pochettino managed Southampton between January 2013 and May 2014.
He guided the club to eighth place in the 2013/14 Premier League season.
His work at Southampton also strengthened his reputation for developing young players and building competitive teams.
5. He won three trophies with PSG
Pochettino joined Paris Saint-Germain in January 2021.
During his 18-month spell, he won the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions.
He also guided the French club to the Champions League semi-finals in 2021.
6. He managed Chelsea for one season
Chelsea appointed Pochettino in May 2023.
He guided the club to sixth place in the 2023/24 Premier League season and reached the League Cup final.
However, both parties agreed to end their relationship in May 2024.
Read also: Would Sacking Carrick Fix Man United’s Deeper Problems?
7. He currently manages the United States
Pochettino became head coach of the United States men’s national team in September 2024.
He led the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, guiding the team to the knockout stages.
The Americans defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, recording their first knockout-stage victory since 2002.
8. He has coached Messi, Neymar and Mbappe
Pochettino worked with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
At Tottenham, he also managed Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
His experience handling established international stars could be relevant to Manchester United’s current squad.
9. His football philosophy involves high pressing
Pochettino is known for his preference for attacking football, aggressive pressing and quick transitions.
His Tottenham team became particularly recognised for its intensity and coordinated movement.
He also has a reputation for giving young players opportunities to establish themselves in senior football.
10. He has a US contract until 2030
One potential obstacle to Pochettino’s Manchester United appointment is his existing agreement with US Soccer.
The federation announced a contract extension on August 3, 2026, keeping him in charge until 2030.
However, The Guardian reported that his contract contains a release clause estimated at $10 million (£7.5 million).
The reported clause could allow Manchester United to secure his services before the agreement expires.
Why does Manchester United want Pochettino?
Pochettino’s experience in English football makes him a familiar name to Manchester United.
He has managed three Premier League clubs and guided Tottenham to one of the biggest European finals in the club’s history.
He has also previously been considered for the Manchester United job.
According to reports, the Argentine is open to returning to England, although no appointment has been confirmed.
His current US contract and the reported release clause remain important considerations as United assess their managerial options.
For now, Pochettino remains in charge of the United States national team while Manchester United consider their next move.