As speculation continues to intensify that Mauricio Pochettino will shortly be appointed Manchester United’s next manager, it’s natural to wonder what changes he might make at Old Trafford.
His success with Tottenham Hotspur was founded on a hardworking, intense-pressing brand of football that used a high defensive line to compress the available space.
While it would be wrong to assume United’s current squad can’t do that, it’s certainly not something which they have been accustomed to doing in recent times.
And this theoretical change in their tactics would likely leave some of the playing staff at United surplus to Pochettino’s intense requirements.
If the Argentine does push the players who don’t fit his style towards the exit door, are there any which would be of interest to Chelsea?
Juan Mata
Would the Spaniard be interested in returning to his former club? As he enters the twilight of his career, it’s natural to assume he doesn’t have the legs to be a key player for Pochettino.
The 32-year old has pressed less often this season (per FBRef) than any midfielder did when Spurs were at their ferocious best under their previous manager.
And Chelsea could perhaps do with a creative veteran for late on in games if things are not going their way. While the Blues have a fabulously talented young squad, their top assist provider in the league last season was Willian, and Pedro was their second-highest scorer the season before.
Both players have since moved on, so Frank Lampard’s squad would appear to have a vacancy for a wily veteran who can contribute despite not starting every single week.
Mata, twice the Blues' Player of the Year during his previous spell at Stamford Bridge, the man could be just the guy they need.
Nemanja Matic
Talk about getting the old band back together, eh? But with Jorginho rumoured to be leaving Stamford Bridge ever since his old mentor Maurizio Sarri was forced out, and Lampard having recently stripped him of the responsibility of taking penalties, there could be an opening in defensive midfield for Chelsea.
It seems reasonable to assume Pochettino wouldn’t be too sad to see the Serbian leave United either, for similar reasons to Mata.
If you want to build an energetic side then Matic’s face doesn’t fit in the picture, which could, in truth, be an issue for Lampard, too.
Sergio Romero
This might not have much to do with the arrival of Pochettino per se, but it’s doubtful his countryman Romero would suddenly shoot up the Old Trafford pecking order if he were to take charge.
And he could be just the safe pair of hands which Chelsea are crying out for from their reserve goalkeeper. Lampard has lost all faith in Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Willy Caballero is in the last year of his thirties so won’t be playing for too much longer.
Romero has proven to be a reliable deputy when called upon, and that’s just what the Blues would need if new signing Edouard Mendy were to suffer another injury at any point.
