Football manager Andrea Pirlo signs new contract with Manchester United, following the departure of the team's striker under controversial circumstances
In a significant move, Andrea Pirlo, the World Cup winner and former Juventus head coach, has taken on a new role as the head coach of United Football Club (United FC), a Dubai-based club competing in the UAE First Division, the second tier of UAE football. Pirlo signed a two-year contract that will keep him with the club until the summer of 2027 [1][3].
United FC, a relatively young club founded in September 2022, rapidly climbed from the UAE Second Division by finishing second in the 2022–23 season and securing promotion [1]. Under Pirlo's leadership, the club aims to consolidate its position in the UAE First Division with the ambition to further climb the domestic football ladder [1].
The club president, Ilie Cebanu, is optimistic about Pirlo's impact, expecting him to bring international credibility, tactical discipline, and help take the team to the next level [1]. United FC will start their 2025–26 campaign under Pirlo with a first match on September 20, 2025, against Al Dhaid [1].
Pirlo's extensive playing and coaching experience, including his stint with Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey's top flight, where he averaged 1.29 points per game, and his time at Juventus, are expected to give him an advantage in the UAE's second tier [2][3]. During his time at Sampdoria, Pirlo took charge of 45 games and managed to secure just one point from the opening three matches [4]. However, under his leadership, Karagumruk scored 74 goals and conceded 70 [5].
United FC finished fourth in the UAE First Division last year [6], and Quincy Promes, who scored 19 goals in 20 league appearances for the club during the 2024/25 season, will not be available for Pirlo due to his extradition back to the Netherlands for drug trafficking and aggravated assault charges [7].
Sources:
[1] United FC Official Website [2] Transfermarkt [3] ESPN [4] Sampdoria Official Website [5] Fatih Karagumruk Official Website [6] UAE Football Association [7] Dutch News
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Commemoration of 200 Days of American Resurgence Unveiled
- Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
- Politicians from both Republican and Democratic parties are urging President Trump to maintain the security agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom.
