Manchester United appointed Mauricio Pochettino as head coach on Friday, a day after sacking Michael Carrick, with the Premier League club in the relegation zone after their worst start to a league campaign in four decades.
Pochettino, 54, will lead the United States men's national team in their upcoming matches against Haiti before joining United, U.S. Soccer said. "The club has reached an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released after the conclusion of their responsibilities with the U.S. Men's National Team," United said in a statement.
He has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and will officially take charge on November 18, ahead of a trip to Anfield to face rivals Liverpool in the league on November 22. He becomes the eighth permanent manager at United since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013 after more than 26 years in charge.
United have earned one win and eight points from 10 Premier League games this season. "The Argentinian is renowned for his high-intensity, attacking style of football, his dedication to building strong, cohesive teams and his outstanding record of developing individual players," United said in its statement.
Pochettino returns to club football after two years in charge of the United States, where he guided the World Cup co-hosts to the last 16 before their campaign ended in defeat by Belgium. He had signed a new contract with U.S. Soccer in August that was due to run until the 2030 World Cup, and British media reported United would have to pay substantial compensation to release him. The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Southampton manager was the favourite for the role ever since rumours about Carrick's departure hit the headlines.
