Mauricio Pochettino and Manchester United
Five years after Paris Saint-Germain blocked his move to Old Trafford, Mauricio Pochettino has emerged once again as a potential candidate for the Manchester United managerial vacancy, according to a report by Football365.
In November 2021, Manchester United sought to appoint the Argentine coach following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Then-sporting director Leonardo firmly rejected the approach, stating publicly that the club did not want the manager to leave and that he had never requested a departure.
Leonardo Blocked the 2021 Move
Pochettino remained under contract in the French capital until 2023, eventually securing the Ligue 1 title later that season before departing in the summer of 2022. Manchester United ultimately appointed Ralf Rangnick on an interim basis before naming Erik ten Hag as permanent manager.
A parallel links the 2021 transition to the current situation at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick served as the caretaker manager for three matches following Solskjaer’s departure in November 2021, and the former midfielder is once again managing the team under mounting pressure, Football365 reported.
🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE/STORY W @TheUnitedWire_ : Manchester United have OFFICIALLY SACKED Michael Carrick, with Mauricio Pochettino currently emerging as the leading candidate to take over. 🔴👀 #MUFC My understanding is that discussions surrounding Pochettino have taken place and are… pic.twitter.com/dBMX8WZAqZ
Michael Carrick Faces Pressure
Carrick returned to the club in January following the departure of Ruben Amorim and secured a third-place finish to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. However, Manchester United has recorded only one victory and collected eight points from ten Premier League matches this season, leaving the club in the relegation zone after a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa.
Club hierarchy intends to use the international break to evaluate the sporting situation before the domestic campaign resumes. According to talkSPORT, Pochettino would maintain an interest in taking charge if the position becomes vacant.
🚨🗣️ @lauriewhitwell on Mauricio Pochettino and the Manchester United situation: “I had a message last week where Mauricio Pochettino was mentioned. He hadn’t really been mentioned in terms of the information I was being told about at that stage. There’s more traction today… pic.twitter.com/Pe3R1uAx29”
United Faces United States Federation Compensation
Unlike in 2021, Manchester United would no longer need to negotiate with Paris Saint-Germain. Pochettino was appointed head coach of the United States men’s national team in September 2024 and signed a contract extension in August running through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Eddie Howe, who has been unattached since leaving Newcastle United during the summer, is also listed among potential candidates for the position.
🚨 MAURICIO POCHETTINO INTERESTED IN BECOMING MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER AS PRESSURE MOUNTS ON MICHAEL CARRICK! 😳🔴 Mauricio Pochettino would reportedly be interested in taking over as Manchester United manager amid growing uncertainty surrounding Michael Carrick's future at Old… pic.twitter.com/RKdo1fz3ux
🚨 Mauricio Pochettino’s odds to become the next Manchester United manager have slashed. 👀 He is contracted to the USMNT until the next World Cup but there is a release clause in his deal. United previously looked into bringing Pochettino to Old Trafford but opted for Erik ten… pic.twitter.com/Y78pPB0rJZ
