Mauricio Pochettino is walking straight into a crisis at Old Trafford as he prepares to take charge of Manchester United with the club languishing in the Premier League relegation zone. The Argentine tactician, who is currently managing the United States men’s national team, was officially confirmed on Friday and will assume duties on November 18, according to Punch.
His debut will offer no breathing space, as he takes his struggling side to face bitter rivals Liverpool just four days after starting work. United currently sit 18th in the Premier League standings and could even drop to the foot of the table before that match, depending on outcomes involving Crystal Palace and Sunderland.
Pochettino, who replaces the sacked Michael Carrick, inherits a squad in freefall. The Red Devils have collected just eight points from their opening 10 league matches, securing a solitary win in what represents their worst start to a season in 40 years. Historically, out of 41 clubs that have reached this point of a Premier League campaign with eight points, 17 ended up getting relegated.
Defensive frailties remain the most pressing concern for the incoming boss. United have conceded 30 goals across all competitions this season, a record worse than every top-flight European side except French club Lens. The team has failed to keep a clean sheet in the league, while conceding at least two goals in each of their last five matches. Errors from goalkeeper Senne Lammens and recurring injuries to left-back Luke Shaw have severely destabilised the backline.
The problems extend to the front line following a summer transfer window that prioritised midfield signings over attackers. Lead forward Benjamin Sesko has been sidelined since mid-September, forcing Bryan Mbeumo to fill in out of position, where he has scored only twice. Marcus Rashford is also out injured, while Matheus Cunha and Amad Diallo have struggled for consistency.
Off the pitch, Pochettino must handle deep discontent among the fanbase. The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust released a statement following Carrick’s departure, blaming the Glazer family and minority owners INEOS for failing to deliver on promises of sporting excellence. In addition, captain Bruno Fernandes has reportedly turned down a second contract proposal, giving the incoming coach yet another delicate situation to manage.
