Mauricio Pochettino has been confirmed as the next head coach of Manchester United, the team announced on social media on Friday.

The experienced head coach takes over from Michael Carrick, who was fired by the club on Thursday.

Pochettino will continue in his current position as US Men’s National Team (USMNT) head coach for this international break before crossing over the Atlantic to take charge of the Red Devils.

“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,” Manchester United said in its statement.

The job awaiting Pochettino at Old Trafford is gigantic.

First, he has to work out how to fit into the club’s complicated hierarchy. The Argentine will then need to work on a playing roster that looks short of quality and motivate players who look mentally fragile.

Perhaps most importantly, the new boss will need to keep the fans on side. Even when things got ugly under Carrick, the supporters chose to back the former midfielder, putting the blame firmly at the feet of the players and the club’s hierarchy.

The consensus with fans and the British media is that the current culture around the club is so toxic that it’s almost impossible for any head coach to succeed. Pochettino will face a tough task trying to prove that wrong.

A fond farewell

Sentiments among supporters of the “Stars and Stripes” regarding the Argentine’s departure might be mixed, but USMNT top brass were grateful to Pochettino for his stint.

“Mauricio has left a lasting mark on US Soccer through his leadership, professionalism and commitment to our players and culture,” US Soccer CEO JT Batson said in a statement.

“What we are most proud of goes beyond the wins. He and his staff raised standards, strengthened our culture and created clearer connections from the Youth National Teams to the senior team.”

An emotional Pochettino addressed the media during a press conference held on Friday ahead of the USA’s CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal first leg against Haiti.

“Normally it’s the opposite, you’re sacked and you cry because you want to stay and you are sacked,” the tearful Pochettino said.

“It’s never an ideal situation when this type of thing happens but like in life, football goes quick.”

The head coach spoke of the “amazing memories” he had as head coach and reiterated his commitment to the USMNT across this international break.

Pochettino took over as head coach of the US in 2024 and was tasked with leading the team into a home World Cup.

While the US impressed in the group stage and cruised past Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, the team eventually crashed out to Belgium in disappointing circumstances.

The Americans were outplayed from start to finish in the Round of 16 matchup before succumbing to a 4-1 defeat against better opposition.

“The opportunity to represent the USA crest was one of the greatest honors of my career. We are so grateful to the players for their commitment, to the fans for their belief, and to the Federation for always supporting our staff and creating the opportunities to impact the culture of soccer in this great country,” Pochettino said in Friday’s statement.

Who will replace Poch with the US?

If there’s one thing about this current US setup, it’s certainly ambitious.

Pochettino represented a real coup for the program after managing at the highest level with Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

But according to reports, the next head coach might just be an even more impressive get.

According to reporters with The Athletic, legendary manager Pep Guardiola is a top target to replace the outgoing Pochettino and would certainly be a headline-grabbing appointment.

Guardiola has won all there is to win in club soccer, and after almost two decades working with the very best, could the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City head coach set his sights on the international game?

It wouldn’t be the first time the US has shown an interest in Guardiola and they may feel now is the best chance they’ll get to attract the iconic head coach.

“Our supporters, our sponsors, our donors, our fans are very supportive around making sure that we have the resources to achieve our goals including having a world class coach and we’re appreciative of that support and look forward to that being a key part of our way of winning going forward,” US Soccer CEO Batson said in the press conference on Friday.

While Guardiola might be the top prize, the US may also look a bit closer to home in its efforts to succeed Pochettino.

BJ Callaghan is certainly one name that fits the bill.

The 45-year-old has impressed in his job with Nashville SC and has led the team to a league-best 77 points in the MLS as it topped the Eastern Conference in the regular season.

The head coach is also no stranger to the US national setup.

Callaghan was an interim head coach for the team in 2023 and even managed to lead the side to victory in the CONCACAF Nations League during his brief time in charge.

Another name familiar to US fans is Steve Cherundolo.

Cherundolo had a successful playing career in Germany and was a stalwart for the US national side across his 87 appearances.

As he’s currently charge of the under-23 national side, Cherundolo would also be familiar with the setup and requirements needed should he advance to the top job.