Pochettino's Fitness Demands and Strict Management Style Await Man Utd Players

Posted : 14 November 2026

Manchester United players should expect demanding training sessions, strict discipline and intense physical preparation when Mauricio Pochettino takes charge at Old Trafford on November 18.

The Argentine manager has built a reputation for his uncompromising approach to fitness, tactical discipline and team commitment. His methods have been described as demanding, with players expected to follow his instructions and prioritise collective success over individual interests.

Manchester United confirmed Pochettino's appointment on Friday, November 13, following Michael Carrick's dismissal. The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager has signed a contract running until June 2029.

Former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld, who worked under Pochettino for four years, has offered an insight into what United's players can expect.

Alderweireld, 37, described his former manager as a straightforward leader who demands complete commitment to his footballing philosophy. He explained that players who refuse to follow the manager's instructions risk losing their places in the team.

"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," Alderweireld told BBC Sport.

He added that Pochettino places the team's interests above individual concerns. According to the Belgian, the manager understands players have personal circumstances but expects everyone to remain committed to the collective objective.

Alderweireld also described Pochettino as a positive control freak who closely monitors players' physical condition, performances and activities through training sessions, video analysis and performance data.

Fitness and High-Intensity Football

Physical preparation is expected to be one of Pochettino's immediate priorities at Manchester United.

The Red Devils have faced criticism over their physical performances this season. They rank among the Premier League's bottom five teams for distance covered and high-intensity running, highlighting an area that could require significant improvement.

Alderweireld recalled that pre-season training under Pochettino was particularly demanding, with players required to maintain high fitness levels to execute his attacking philosophy.

He explained that the Argentine favours an aggressive approach built around pressing, a high defensive line, intense running and dynamic movement.

"The basic is to be fit," Alderweireld said, stressing that players must be physically prepared to compete at the required intensity.

He also recalled Tottenham's remarkable comeback against Ajax in the 2019 Champions League semi-final. After trailing 3-0 on aggregate at half-time, Pochettino encouraged his players to fight harder, win physical battles and believe they could recover.

Tottenham eventually progressed to the final after Lucas Moura scored a dramatic second-half hat-trick.

Pochettino will now attempt to introduce similar intensity and collective discipline at Manchester United. His first assignment will be against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, giving him an immediate test of his methods against one of the club's biggest rivals.

Pochettino's Fitness Demands and Strict Management Style Await Man Utd Players

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