Mauricio Pochettino appointed as Manchester United manager with January transfer backing

Manchester United officially appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager on Friday, November 13, 2026. The decision follows the dismissal of Michael Carrick, who left the role after winning only one of his first 10 games of the current season. The appointment comes at a critical juncture for the club, as they are currently situated in the Premier League relegation zone.

The managerial change and squad context

The transition in leadership arrives as the club, which is under the ownership of INEOS, faces significant challenges regarding squad depth in both the defensive and attacking departments. The club's current situation is compounded by injuries and existing roster dynamics. Benjamin Sesko is currently sidelined with an injury, leaving the forward line stretched. While the squad includes young talents such as Ayden Heaven, who was signed from the Arsenal academy, and Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu, who were both recruited during previous January transfer windows, the pressure to perform remains high.

Financial structures within the squad are also a point of focus. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are currently the highest earners at the club. Fernandes, who joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in January 2020 for €65 million, remains a central figure. Additionally, the club holds one-year contract extension options in favour of Manchester United for Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, and Luke Shaw. The club is also looking to manage its assets, with reports suggesting Manchester United expected £36m for Marcus Rashford via a Barcelona contract, though reports claim Barcelona chose to pursue Anthony Gordon instead of completing that deal.

Transfer activity and targets

Pochettino has been granted significant authority to reshape the squad during the upcoming January transfer window. The club has authorised the new manager to make several signings to address the immediate need for reinforcements. Reports claim Pochettino is targeting Folarin Balogun as his first signing. The Monaco player, a former Arsenal academy graduate, has reportedly approved a move to Manchester United. Reports also suggest that Monaco would prefer a permanent sale of the player over a loan deal.

Beyond the pursuit of Balogun, Pochettino is expected to look at other areas of the pitch. Reports claim the manager is interested in US right-back Alex Freeman. The club's recruitment strategy appears to involve a mix of established talent and developmental players, such as 18-year-old Chido Obi, a former Arsenal academy player who is currently on loan at Willem II. Reports claim Pochettino will receive considerable financial backing for these transfers as he attempts to stabilise the club's position in the Premier League.

What comes next

As the January window approaches, the focus for Manchester United will be on whether these targeted arrivals can provide the necessary depth to move away from the relegation zone. With the club having a history of making significant signings during the January window, the ability of Pochettino to integrate new players quickly will be vital. The manager faces the immediate task of navigating a difficult period in the Premier League while managing a squad that requires urgent reinforcement to compete effectively.