Pochettino's Man Utd task: fitness, control and team-first demands
Toby Alderweireld describes Mauricio Pochettino's demanding methods as the new Manchester United manager prepares to take charge on 18 November.
Manchester United have confirmed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, with the Argentine starting on 18 November and signing a contract until June 2029. He replaces Michael Carrick at Old Trafford, and former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has given an insight into what the squad should expect.
Alderweireld, who played four years under Pochettino at Spurs, describes a manager with clear, non-negotiable priorities. Players who follow his plan are supported; those who put themselves ahead of the group are sidelined. Alderweireld says Pochettino is approachable but insists the team comes first, calling him "the main man" and a strong character who can pull everyone in the same direction.
That control extends to preparation and fitness. Alderweireld recalls "brutal" pre-seasons and says Pochettino treats physical readiness as fundamental, monitoring players on and off the pitch through video and data. He describes him, positively, as a control freak who believes a player's body is their weapon. Pochettino's preferred style - pressing, a high line and dynamic play - depends on running and high-intensity effort.
The emphasis on fitness is notable given criticism of United this season for an apparent lack of running. The team ranks in the bottom five in the league for distance covered and high-intensity runs. Alderweireld says players will immediately feel the step up in demands, with training conducted at full intensity every day, and predicts results will follow quickly.
Alderweireld also cites Tottenham's Champions League semi-final comeback from 3-0 down against Ajax as evidence of Pochettino's approach. Instead of a tactical half-time speech, he says, Pochettino demanded physicality, duels and belief, and the team changed the game through intensity and fighting spirit. Supporters will now wait to see whether those methods translate at Old Trafford.
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