Manchester United may consider appointing Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino if they sack Erik ten Hag, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.
The trusted journalist claims that INEOS have held talks with the former Tottenham boss in the past and, if he does leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, he could be a candidate to succeed ten Hag:
“If Mauricio Pochettino is to leave [Chelsea] I’m sure there will be a number of vacancies and people looking at him because of his career so far. I mean, he’s been heavily linked at this club Manchester United in the past.”
“He met with INEOS about the Nice job some time ago, so there are some links there. Maybe his carrot style of management is fitting to the carrot style that INEOS like to exhibit themselves. I’m not saying he is in the frame by any means, but it is just one to watch.”
Fans on X are not particularly keen on Pochettino being hired by United:
Let's be serious here please…
— Se7enπ¬ (@ogbuehi_divine) May 13, 2024
There is no way Poch leaves now they tweaked their system now they play one of the best football in the league boehly would be insane if he sack Poch now
— Sam Khan πΎπͺπ΅π° (@sammy4_9) May 13, 2024
This is laughable
— devilian (@the_devilian) May 13, 2024
πππthey are forcing me to support ten hag with links of poch, potter & southgate
— Mohammed Sayeed (@Attitude_Sayeed) May 13, 2024
We are contented with ETH.
— AO24π¨π² π΅ (@UtdTata) May 13, 2024
Mauricio Pochettino is the Wesley Sneijder of manager hires for United…
— Anth (@ANVL007) May 13, 2024
Go and get tuchel
— MUFC , all topics and opinions man utd (@TonyDoc88) May 13, 2024
Pochettino’s move to Old Trafford seems unlikely
A lot of dominos would have to fall for the Argentine to become a contender for the Manchester United job. Firstly, he would have to be available, which means Chelsea would need to sack him.
Secondly, and more importantly, INEOS would have to dispense with the services of ten Hag, which isn’t 100% guaranteed at this stage. Other candidates may also need to drop out of the running.
Who is currently the favourite to become the next United manager?
Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel is the bookies’ favourite to replace ten Hag. The German will leave his current team at the end of the season and he has already expressed an interest in returning to England.
It remains to be seen, though, whether Tuchel is the type of appointment that INEOS are looking to make.
