Manchester United appoints Mauricio Pochettino amid concerns over preparation time before Liverpool clash

Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement with former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, pending a formal deal with U.S. Soccer for the United States men's national team. Pochettino is expected to coach the United States in the two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Haiti, with the first match in Miami on Saturday and the second in Cincinnati on Tuesday. Consequently, he will not be able to travel to England until Wednesday, November 18, giving him roughly three days to prepare United for their Premier League fixture at Liverpool's Anfield.

United's chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox met with owner Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco to discuss the club's early-season performance. Assistant coach Michael Carrick was informed of his departure on Thursday morning following a series of poor results, including a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth and a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea.

Gary Neville, former United player and pundit, described the handling of Carrick's exit as "clumsy" and "classless" on the "Stick to Football" podcast, adding that a delay in communication was unnecessary.

United have struggled defensively this season, ranking among the league's lowest-scoring sides in terms of goals conceded. While Pochettino is not expected to resolve all defensive issues immediately, the club's board is expected to provide him with support, including potential reinforcement in the transfer market during the January window.

Wilcox has outlined a three-tiered plan for squad development, with an attacking overhaul completed in the 2025 summer window, midfield adjustments made in the most recent window, and defensive improvements slated for the end of the current season. Pochettino is anticipated to seek assurances regarding recruitment control and budget allocations as part of his contract negotiations.

Neville suggested that Pochettino should secure a minimum budget for the upcoming transfer windows to address defensive needs, emphasizing the importance of board support for the new manager's success.