Manchester United have been given a strong belief that Mauricio Pochettino can become their next permanent manager – and reports claim the Argentine is ready to quit PSG and take the job now.
The Red Devils are beginning the complicated process of finding a new manager. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer parted ways with the club on Sunday morning, his exit coming as no surprise given the way results had badly slipped.
Indeed, a 4-1 humiliation at Watford proved the final straw, though the United legend was at least granted a dignified exit in an emotional goodbye interview.
The process of recruiting a new boss looks a complicated one. With Michael Carrick placed in temporary charge, the club are already well underway in finding the Norwegian’s successor.
Major names far and wide have been linked the taking the reins on a permanent basis in 2022. Zinedine Zidane and Brendan Rodgers have been namechecked most frequently.
However, according to Sky Sports, former Tottenham and current PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is the club’s ‘first choice‘. Second on their list is reportedly Ajax’s Erik ten Hag.
And to aid United’s cause of landing Pochettino, a report states legendary figure Sir Alex Ferguson is also doing his bit.
Now those hopes have been given further hope thanks to The Times. They state Pochettino has told close friends he is keen to take over at Old Trafford.
The 49-year-old is contracted to PSG until summer 2023 and it’s not inconceivable he will be allowed to leave early.
The report claims that while PSG are 11 points clear at the top of Ligue 1, he has reservations over whether they see him as their long-term manager.
And with Pochettino having a fondness for long-term projects, he is reportedly strongly tempted by the United job.
Furthermore, The Sun on Monday morning claims Pochettino wants to leave Paris immediately. Citing his family still being in England, they claim Pochettino is already turning his thoughts towards the United vacancy.
In addition, Pochettino has strongly hinted that he is struggling to deal with egos in the dressing room. As such, keeping a lid on managing Lionel Messi, 34, Neymar, 29 and Kylian Mbappe, 22, has proven harder than initial expected.
Pochettino will be in Manchester on Tuesday for the Champions League clash against City. And he will no doubt be heavily questioned on the role during his pre-match press briefing on Monday.
And finally, reports state PSG are already working towards a plan that will see Zidane installed as Pochettino’s successor. They ideally see that scenario playing out though at the end of the season and not any time sooner.
Neville backs Pochettino appointment
The possibility of Pochettino taking over at Manchester United has also been endorsed by Gary Neville.
Neville described him as a “stand-out candidate” and explained why’d he’d be a perfect fit at Old Trafford.
“They are waiting on Mauricio Pochettino not being successful at another club,” said Neville (via the Guardian).
“If he was to win the Champions League, then PSG wouldn’t let him go.
“He’s always been a stand-out candidate and the only name I’ve mentioned as someone I thought really suited Manchester United in terms of core principles and values and how they play, how he acts and behaves.”
READ MORE: Pundits crucify Glazers, Woodward for mystifying Man Utd decision
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