Mauricio Pochettino is set to take charge at Old Trafford with a reputation for demanding ultimate fitness, strict discipline, and a no-nonsense management style. Manchester United announced that Pochettino will replace Michael Carrick on 18 November after signing a contract that runs until June 2029.
The Main Man and Control Freak
Former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld, who spent four years playing under Pochettino, told BBC Sport that the Argentine manager expects everyone in the squad to commit fully to his vision. Alderweireld described the 37-year-old manager as approachable yet uncompromising, noting that the team always comes first above any individual player.
According to Alderweireld, players who fail to follow the plan will find themselves sidelined without hesitation. He added that Pochettino possesses a strong character capable of uniting a club and building an “us against the world” mentality, while closely monitoring every detail of the players’ lives both on and off the pitch.
“He is, in a positive way, a control freak because he says your body is your weapon and it needs to be ready to perform,” Alderweireld told BBC Sport.
Fitness and High Intensity
Manchester United have faced criticism this season for a perceived lack of fitness and low running metrics, currently ranking in the bottom five of the Premier League for distance covered and high-intensity runs. Alderweireld explained that physical conditioning is Pochettino’s primary demand to facilitate his dynamic, front-foot tactical approach.
“First of all he made us very fit. Pre-season was brutal,” Alderweireld told BBC Sport, emphasizing that the players will immediately notice a significant step up in the daily training intensity.
Alderweireld recalled a memorable Champions League semi-final against Ajax, where Pochettino motivated a struggling Tottenham side by demanding physical fight and intense duels rather than delivering a lengthy tactical speech at half-time. Manchester United players will begin experiencing this new regime when Pochettino officially assumes control at the end of next week.
