Pochettino's Shocking Cup Final Curse Should Put Man Utd on High Alert

Even throughout Manchester United's repeated descents into turmoil during the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, instinct has consistently surfaced in domestic and European cup competitions.

The Red Devils have appeared in nine cup finals over the last decade—excluding the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup—despite enduring some genuinely dreadful spells. Ruben Amorim, Erik ten Hag and Ole Gunnar Solskjær all competed for honours and in certain instances lifted silverware.

While this current version of United seems a long way from adding to the club's already impressive trophy collection, claiming major honours will be the ultimate goal for incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has finally made his way to Old Trafford after a decade-long courtship.

Expectations will naturally be modest given the dire situation United currently find themselves in, but sooner or later, the pressure will fall on Pochettino to restore the club to its former standing—and that will inevitably demand lengthy runs in cup competitions.

Unfortunately for United, their new manager's track record in such occasions does not make for encouraging reading.

How Has Pochettino Fared in Cup Finals?

Pochettino has built a strong reputation for his man-management skills and tactical intelligence throughout an impressive managerial career, yet those qualities have rarely translated into trophies. The 54-year-old has claimed just three pieces of silverware as a manager, all of which arrived during his stint at Paris Saint-Germain—where honours flow freely regardless of who occupies the dugout.

The Trophée des Champions—France's super cup—was his first success as PSG defeated rivals Marseille 2–1 in the 2020 edition (played in 2021 due to Covid-19). Despite Pochettino inexplicably surrendering the Ligue 1 crown to Lille later that season, the Argentine did manage to celebrate in the Coupe de France final as well, with PSG defeating Monaco inside an empty stadium.

Pochettino eventually secured the Ligue 1 title the following campaign, shortly before departing Paris, though he had been beaten by Lille in the Trophée des Champions earlier that season—the third of five cup final defeats in his managerial career so far.

The first two losses were considerably more painful. Pochettino was widely praised—and justifiably so—for transforming Tottenham Hotspur into a genuine contender, built around the talents of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Christian Eriksen, yet trophies continued to elude him right up until his dismissal in November 2019.

As Spurs chased their first piece of silverware in seven years in the 2014–15 League Cup final, Pochettino and his squad fell short against fierce London rivals Chelsea, who ran out 2–0 winners under future Tottenham and United manager José Mourinho. The pain would cut even deeper four years later, however, as Tottenham defied expectations to reach their first-ever Champions League final.

Pochettino, aided by a sensational Lucas Moura, had orchestrated a stunning comeback in the semifinal against Ajax, yet they were unable to replicate that magic on the grandest stage, falling to a 2–0 defeat against Liverpool. A tearful Pochettino had endured the most crushing setback of his managerial life.

Liverpool were once again the source of Pochettino's heartbreak in 2024, this time while the South American was at the helm of Chelsea. During his only season at Stamford Bridge, he guided the Blues to the League Cup final, but Virgil van Dijk's 118th-minute winner at Wembley shattered his hopes.

And Pochettino's most recent final appearance ended in equally frustrating fashion. After stepping into international management, he steered the United States men's national team to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final against fierce rivals Mexico, but an early strike from Chris Richards proved insufficient as El Tri rallied from behind to seal a 2–1 victory.

That amounts to seven finals for Pochettino, with only two victories to show. A cautionary tale for United, perhaps.