Mauricio Pochettino has made his long-awaited return to management with the Argentinian taking over as coach of the World XI at Soccer Aid.
The former Southampton and Tottenham boss has been out of work since leaving Ligue 1 champions Paris St Germain last July.
Pochettino is set to be confirmed as Chelsea manager in the near future, but his return to the dugout will come at Old Trafford rather than Stamford Bridge.
The 51-year-old has been confirmed as manager of the World XI against England at Soccer Aid for Unicef on June 12 in the north west.
“I am really looking forward to getting involved in Soccer Aid this year and managing the World XI,” Pochettino said.
“It is a real pleasure to be part of a match that represents a big cultural moment in this country’s annual calendar – and rightly so, because it raises so much money for Unicef.
“I love English football stadiums, the passion the fans show for the game and the atmosphere they create, so it will be great to feel that again next month.”
Pochettino will coach former Argentina team-mates Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo in the Old Trafford encounter.
Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, has been confirmed as captain of a side that includes the likes of Francesco Totti, Patrice Evra and Nani.
“The Soccer Aid World XI FC has a very strong team this year and we want to ensure we help to continue their long unbeaten run in this match,” said Pochettino, who will be joined by long-serving assistant Jesus Perez.
“Two of the most talented players I have played with – Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo – will be a big goal threat and we also have Nani and Totti, players that will excite fans so we hope as many people as possible will come along on the day to see them live and support this incredible cause.”
:: England vs Soccer Aid World XI FC takes place on Sunday 11 June. Tickets for the game are on sale: www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets.
Al Ahli 1-2 Al Hilal: Malcom saves league leaders' winning streak
Malcom’s stunning solo goal finished Al Hilal’s second-half comeback to earn a 2-1 win over Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Monday.
The forward started his run from inside his own half before slotting in the winner, after teeing up Aleksandr Mitrovic for the equaliser just after the interval.
Feras Al Brikan had given Al Ahli the lead in the 30th minute, but the hosts could not hold onto it against the league leaders.
Al Hilal continue their unbeaten league campaign to a 30th match, moving 12 points clear at the top of the table, while Al Ahli remain in third, now 22 points off the AFC Champions League spot.
Data Debrief
Malcom was one of Al Hilal's most influential players; as well as playing a hand in both goals, he had the joint-most shots (five), and the joint-most shots on target (two), and created two chances for his team.
Al Ahli also struggled to cope with Mitrovic's threat, as the Serbian created an xG of 0.61 from his five shots, having 11 touches in the opposition box.
Ronaldo delivers another hat-trick as Al Nassr ease past Al Wedha
Cristiano Ronaldo crafted a decisive hat-trick as Al Nassr hammered Al Wedha 6-0 in Saturday's Saudi Pro League meeting.
Portugal veteran Ronaldo found the net twice in the first 12 minutes at Al Awal Park before completing his treble after the interval.
Sadio Mane teed up Ronaldo's third finish, as well as an 18th-minute strike from Otavio, who returned the favour for the Senegal international to score on the stroke of half-time.
Mohammed Al Fatil added a late sixth as Al Nassr recorded their seventh straight league win since their March 7 loss against Al Raed, moving them back within nine points of leaders Al Hilal.
Jorge Jesus's Al Hilal swept Al Tauwoon aside in a 3-0 away triumph on Friday for their fourth straight victory across all competitions.
Talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium before Saud Abdulhamid and Saleh Alsherhi wrapped up a win that kept Al Hilal in charge of the title race.
There was no such fortune for fifth-placed Al Ittihad as they fell to a third straight defeat in all competitions after a 3-1 loss away against Abha.
Jota levelled after Grzegorz Krychowiak's 57th-minute penalty, only for Hassan Al-Ali and Fabian Noguera to power hosts Abha to a comfortable win.
Pioli focused on Genoa clash as speculation intensifies over Milan exit
Milan's disappointing campaign has put Stefano Pioli under scrutiny but his full concentration remains on a positive end to the season.
The Rossoneri are second in Serie A but 19 points adrift of champions Inter, and their fans suffered witnessing their fierce rivals secure the Scudetto in the recent derby win at San Siro.
That has only increased media reports about Pioli's dismissal once the season ends, with fans also protesting at the situation Milan face.
"My task shouldn't be complicated, there are four games left," Pioli told a press conference before Sunday's home game against Genoa.
"It's true that outside they talk about everything except the games, but not us. We have a great sense of responsibility. Then we'll see what the future is at the end of the season."
Some Italian reports have suggested Pioli could move to Napoli, though the Milan head coach refuted those claims.
"No thoughts, other than the next four games. At the end of the season, I'll meet with Milan and we'll see what to do," Pioli said.
"You've waited a long time, wait a little longer to talk about the future, the work is not done. The reality is I have another year on my contract with Milan and I won't speak to any other club while I'm under contract."
The atmosphere is tense around the club, and Milan ultras have announced they will not support the team against Genoa, remaining in silence without any banners or flags, as a form of protest against the owners.
"Our fans have always been an added value, especially in difficult moments. And I don't forget it," Pioli continued.
"They have taken this position and we respect it, then we have to do everything to win the game."
Milan have a five-point lead over Juventus in third and Genoa are 12th on 42 points, moving out of relegation danger.
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