Pochettino plans to call Sir Alex Ferguson after completing USA duties at Manchester United

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed he plans to contact Sir Alex Ferguson after completing his final game in charge of the United States national team, as the newly appointed Manchester United head coach prepares to take over at Carrington.

Pochettino was confirmed as United’s new manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract last Thursday, with the club agreeing he could fulfil his remaining commitments with the USA — a double-header against Haiti — before beginning work in Manchester. The first of those games ended in a 6-0 victory on Saturday night, leaving Pochettino with one fixture remaining before his attention turns fully to Old Trafford.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the 54-year-old was asked whether he had been in contact with Ferguson since accepting the role. “Not yet, but for sure I will have the opportunity after Tuesday,” he told The Telegraph. “I said many years ago and always I say the same — for me, Sir Alex Ferguson represents everything that I admire from a coach, a head coach, a man, a manager and I think he represents my values. I really admire him. For sure, from Tuesday, we will have the possibility to talk — if I will have time because it’s going to be very intense. But if there’s the possibility to talk, then of course I will do that.”

Pochettino and Ferguson first met for dinner in 2016 and have maintained a relationship since. Ferguson remains a regular presence at United matches and has offered support to each manager appointed since his retirement in 2013.

Reflecting on his time with the USA, Pochettino acknowledged the difficulty of moving on. “It’s always difficult to say goodbye, but life is like this,” he said. “Always you have new challenges and, of course, I’ve always followed my heart and my dreams. It’s sad, but at the same time, we’re in the place that we wanted to be. I think it was really tough during the two years but I think we achieved something that is difficult to measure. But I think it’s going to be very good for soccer here in the future.”

United sources have highlighted Pochettino’s record of developing individual talent and building strong team cultures as key factors in his appointment. The club believes his personality, management experience and footballing philosophy make him the right fit to lead the squad forward.

He is due to begin work at the club’s Carrington training ground on Wednesday, giving him four days to prepare for his first match — a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.