# Fitness obsessed & ‘control freak’ – what can Man Utd expect from Pochettino?

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/fitness-obsessed-control-freak-what-can-man-utd-expect-from-pochettino/
- Published: 2026-11-13T22:53:17+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T23:26:09+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c85y13pv69xwo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Fitness, Health, Sport

## Key points

- Pochettino takes charge of Manchester United on 18 November.
- Alderweireld says fitness and team discipline will be central.
- United have ranked in the bottom five for running measures.

## Summary

Manchester United have confirmed that Mauricio Pochettino will take over as manager on 18 November, replacing Michael Carrick, on a contract until June 2029. Former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld says Pochettino could bring the strong leadership and shared purpose United need, but expects players to follow his plan and put the team first.

Alderweireld, who played under Pochettino for four years as Tottenham reached the Champions League final and finished second in the Premier League, describes him as approachable, highly attentive and demanding about fitness. He says Pochettino’s intense pre-seasons and high pressing style require players to run and work at full intensity every day. United rank among the league’s bottom five for distance covered and high-intensity runs this season.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.