Football manager Andrea Pirlo signs contract with Manchester United following the dismissal of the team's striker
Andrea Pirlo Takes the Helm at Dubai-Based United FC
Andrea Pirlo, the former Italian midfielder and Juventus head coach, has taken up a new challenge as the head coach of United Football Club, a Dubai-based club playing in the UAE First Division, the second tier of UAE football.
The 44-year-old Pirlo signed a two-year contract starting in July 2025, running until summer 2027. United FC is a relatively new club, established in September 2022, and in their inaugural 2022-23 season, they finished second in the UAE Second Division and secured promotion to the UAE First Division.
The team plays home matches at Dubai's ISD Stadium Pitch and has shown strong offensive and defensive records in their promotion season, including key end-of-season victories that secured their promotion.
Pirlo's appointment has generated excitement as he brings international playing and coaching experience to this young club aiming to climb higher in UAE football. His first match in charge of United FC was scheduled for September 20, 2025, against Al Dhaid.
Before joining United FC, Pirlo had managerial experience with Juventus (Italy), Fatih Karagümrük (Turkey), and Sampdoria (Italy). However, his tenure at Fatih Karagumruk ended after just one point from the opening three matches of the 2024/25 season, and he was sacked. His stewardship at Fatih Karagumruk resulted in a 1.29 points-per-game average, with 74 goals scored and 70 conceded.
Unfortunately, Pirlo will not have Quincy Promes, who was a player at United FC during the 2024/25 season, available to him this season. Promes was extradited back to the Netherlands on drug trafficking and aggravated assault charges.
The UAE Pro League, the top tier in the United Arab Emirates' football league system, is set to begin at the end of September, and United FC will be aiming to secure promotion to the top tier under Pirlo's guidance. The club's President, Ilie Cebanu, stated that he is proud to welcome Pirlo to the United FC family.
United FC, under Andrea Pirlo's guidance, aims to compete in European-leagues, aspiring to build upon their strong performances in the UAE First Division. Since Pirlo's focus is mainly football, he is particularly interested in Serie-A, considering his past playing experience with Juventus.
