Dubai-club United FC appoint Andrea Pirlo as new manager

Dubai: Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo has been appointed as the new head coach of United FC, the ambitious Dubai-based club competing in the UAE’s second-tier league. As a football club, United FC is still in its early years, having been founded just under three years ago in September 2022.

However, the club has shown impressive ambition in appointing such a global figure. In their debut 2022-23 campaign, they secured promotion from the UAE’s second division by finishing second, and have successfully maintained their first division status heading into the upcoming 2025-26 season.

This appointment represents Pirlo’s fourth senior coaching role, adding to his previous managerial experience with Juventus, Turkish club Fatih Karagumruk, and Italian side Sampdoria. The 45-year-old tactician is set to make his debut from the United FC dugout on September 20, when his new team faces Al Dhaid in opening clash.

United FC president Ilie Cebanu expressed his enthusiasm about the high-profile signing, stating: “We are proud to welcome Andrea to the United FC family. He embodies the values and ambitions of our club, and we believe he will be a key figure in taking us to the next level.”

Pirlo is a World Cup winner with Italy and a legend of the game. His smart penalty kick against France in the 2006 World Cup final is still fresh in one’s memory. It was the first spot kick of the shoot-out, and he calmly placed it past Fabien Barthez.

Pirlo started his playing career at Brescia, later played for top clubs like Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus, and finished his career in MLS. As a deep-lying playmaker, he had a great career as a player, controlling proceedings from midfield and giving football fans enough memories to cherish forever.

As a manager, Pirlo hasn’t been as successful as he was as a player after his Juventus stint, but he will be trying hard to revive his managerial career in the UAE. It’s an exciting appointment for United FC.