# Pochettino's Manchester United Plan

> Pochettino's brutal pre-season and fitness focus could reshape Manchester United's approach.
- Title: Pochettino's Manchester United Plan · BBC News | Shortify
- Summary: Pochettino's brutal pre-season and fitness focus could reshape Manchester United's approach.
- Keywords: manchester united, mauricio pochettino, toby alderweireld, champions league, premier league, fitness training, team unity, BBC News
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c85y13pv69xwo
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: manchester united, mauricio pochettino, toby alderweireld, champions league, premier league, fitness training, team unity, sports
## Pochettino's arrival
Mauricio Pochettino will manage Manchester United starting 18 November, replacing Michael Carrick with a contract until June 2029.
## Alderweireld's view
Toby Alderweireld says Pochettino has a no-nonsense approach where team success comes before individual players.

> He is very approachable but you need to follow his plan. If you don't follow his plan, you go on the side and you're not coming back any more.
## Team focus
Pochettino demands players prioritize team performance over personal goals, with immediate fitness expectations.

> You need to think about team, team, team. If you're thinking about yourself, you're gone.
## Fitness priority
Pochettino's pre-season is described as brutal, with a focus on high-intensity running and fitness for the team.

> The basic is to be fit. Every manager wants a good pre-season and time to give the players their ideas and the fitness.
## Champions League example
Pochettino led Tottenham to a Champions League final after a 3-0 deficit against Ajax with a physical comeback.

> In the Champions League semi-final, we were 3-0 down [against Ajax] and he didn't have a tactical half-time talk.
## Team expectations
Pochettino will require players to follow his plan strictly, with no tolerance for those who don't meet fitness standards.

> He's straightforward, has his own ideas and maybe you agree with them or don't, that's up to you. But you need to follow him and I think that's something Manchester United need - a big character, everyone in the same direction, following the plan and if not, no problem, you can go.
## Key takeaway

Pochettino will manage Manchester United from 18 November, prioritizing fitness and team unity over individual players.