Pochettino confirmed as Manchester United manager but majority of fans unconvinced by appointment

Mauricio Pochettino will be confirmed as Manchester United’s new manager next week, ending a prolonged search to replace Michael Carrick — but a significant portion of the club’s fanbase remains sceptical about the choice.

A poll of nearly 18,000 United supporters found that 53% do not believe Pochettino is the right man for the job. Just 26% backed the appointment, with the remaining 21% undecided.

The Argentine had been considered for the Old Trafford role on several previous occasions before the club’s hierarchy finally moved to appoint him. Pochettino brings Premier League experience and a track record of managing major European clubs, having previously taken charge of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

However, his critics point to a relatively thin trophy cabinet — his only league title came with PSG in Ligue 1 in 2021/22 — and the fact that his most celebrated work, guiding Tottenham Hotspur to the 2019 Champions League final, now sits seven years in the past.

On the other side of the ledger, Pochettino is widely regarded as one of the game’s better developers of young talent, a quality that could prove valuable at a club currently navigating a significant rebuild. His familiarity with the Premier League’s demands is also seen as an advantage over candidates with no prior experience in England.

The challenge facing Pochettino extends beyond results on the pitch. United’s ownership structure and broader football operation have drawn sustained criticism, and several observers have questioned whether any manager can consistently thrive in the current environment at Old Trafford.

Pochettino will need to convert a sceptical majority quickly if he is to establish authority at the club. His first weeks in the role are likely to define how his tenure is received.