{
  "id": 19883597,
  "title": "Fitness obsessed & 'control freak' - what can Man Utd expect from Pochettino?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/fitness-obsessed-control-freak-what-can-man-utd-expect-from-pochettino-19883597",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-13T23:22:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fitness-obsessed-control-freak-man-225322944.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is set to take over at Manchester United this November, replacing Michael Carrick. The Argentine manager is known for his intense pre-season training, relentless focus on fitness, and no-nonsense approach to management. BBC Sport spoke to former Spurs player Toby Alderweireld about what United fans and players can expect under Pochettino.\n\nAlderweireld, who played under Pochettino for four years, described the manager as a \"big character\" who can \"get the best out of a squad\" as long as everyone follows his plan. Pochettino is straightforward and demands that players prioritize the team over their own interests. He believes that a successful season requires a high level of fitness and ability to perform at a high intensity.\n\nThe former Tottenham player emphasized that Pochettino's approach can be likened to \"us against the world,\" with the manager creating an environment where the team works together to achieve results. Alderweireld highlighted a specific moment during a Champions League semi-final against Ajax, where Pochettino's unorthodox post-match speech motivated the team to fight back and secure a dramatic comeback.\n\nIn contrast to Manchester United's recent struggles with fitness and work rate, Pochettino's demanding regime is expected to significantly improve the team's physical condition and on-field performance. The new manager's meticulous attention to detail and data analysis will ensure that every player is fully prepared to meet the demands of the team's dynamic style of play.",
  "summary": "What can Manchester United fans expect from their new manager Mauricio Pochettino? BBC Sport gets an insight from Toby Alderweireld, who played under him at Spurs.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mauricio Pochettino set to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United",
    "Former Spurs player describes Pochettino as big character demanding team focus",
    "Pochettino's intense fitness regime expected to improve United's performance"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Fitness obsessed & 'control freak' - what can Man Utd expect from Pochettino?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/fitness-obsessed-control-freak-what-can-man-utd-expect-from-pochettino",
        "published": "2026-11-13T22:53:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}