Who Is Mauricio Pochettino?

Mauricio Pochettino is an Argentine football manager and former professional defender who has established himself as a respected name in European football.

Born in Murphy, Argentina, he started his professional playing career with Newell's Old Boys in 1989. He later represented Espanyol, Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux before retiring from professional football in 2006.

As a defender, Pochettino represented Argentina internationally, earning 20 senior caps and participating in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

He moved into management in 2009, taking charge of Espanyol. His coaching philosophy became associated with high-intensity pressing, attacking football, organised defending and developing young players.

His successful spell at Tottenham, particularly reaching the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, established his reputation among Europe's leading managers.

Mauricio Pochettino Age, Family and Education

Mauricio Pochettino was born on 2 March 1972 and is 54 years old as of November 2026. He grew up in Murphy, Santa Fe, Argentina.

He is married to Karina Grippaldi, and they have two sons, Sebastiano and Maurizio. His family has maintained a relatively private profile despite his international football career.

His son Sebastiano has worked in sports science and fitness roles within his father's coaching environment.

Pochettino developed his coaching career through professional football management after retiring as a player. Detailed information about his formal academic education and specific coaching qualifications is not consistently documented in publicly available primary sources.

Mauricio Pochettino Career Before Manchester United

Pochettino's managerial career includes several prominent European clubs and the United States national team.

Espanyol (2009–2012): He began his senior managerial career at Espanyol in January 2009. He helped the club move away from the relegation zone and subsequently established a competitive La Liga side.

Southampton (2013–2014): He joined Southampton in January 2013. During the 2013–14 Premier League season, the club finished eighth and recorded its then-best Premier League points total.

Tottenham Hotspur (2014–2019): This was arguably his most influential club appointment. Pochettino developed Tottenham into regular Champions League contenders, achieved four consecutive top-four league finishes and guided the club to its first Champions League final in 2019.

Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2022): Pochettino took charge of PSG in January 2021. He won the Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions in 2021, followed by the Ligue 1 title in 2021–22.

Chelsea (2023–2024): He managed Chelsea during the 2023–24 season. The club reached the EFL Cup final and finished sixth in the Premier League before the parties mutually agreed to part ways.

United States (2024–2026): Pochettino became USMNT head coach in September 2024. He led the national team through its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and its tournament campaign, reaching the Round of 16.

Why Did Manchester United Pick Pochettino After Michael Carrick's Exit?

Manchester United confirmed Michael Carrick's departure on 12 November 2026 after a difficult beginning to the 2026–27 campaign.

Carrick had initially returned to the club in January 2026 and helped United finish third in the Premier League, winning 12 of his final 17 league matches.

However, the team's subsequent results deteriorated. United struggled in their opening league fixtures and dropped into the relegation zone.

In its official statement, Manchester United said:

"After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions."

Pochettino emerged as Carrick's successor because of his Premier League experience, European managerial record and reputation for developing players.

Manchester United highlighted his high-intensity attacking approach, team-building abilities and experience across multiple leagues.

The agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation allows Pochettino and his coaching staff to complete their remaining international responsibilities before beginning their Manchester United roles on 18 November.

Mauricio Pochettino Net Worth and Salary

Mauricio Pochettino's exact net worth has not been officially disclosed.

His earnings have come from managerial contracts with major European clubs and his international coaching position.

Manchester United's exact salary agreement with Pochettino has not been officially disclosed.