Mauricio Pochettino’s previous comments on Cristiano Ronaldo would make for an awkward encounter if the PSG boss is appointed Manchester United manager next season.
Pochettino was linked with the managerial post at Old Trafford following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United instead appointed Ralf Rangnick at the club’s manager on an interim basis, but Pochettino may yet still be Solskjaer’s long-term successo.
As first reported by the Daily Star, Ronaldo is said to be unhappy with Rangnick in charge of United and is reportedly ‘ready to quit’ the club, depending on who is chosen as the next manager.
And if it is Pochettino, then the Argentine boss may have to address his comments made about Ronaldo in the past.
Speaking in 2015, Pochettino chose compatriot Lionel Messi as the best player in the world over Ronaldo.
"Messi is this type of player, for me the best in the world today, better than Cristiano Ronaldo and he can decide a game,” he said.
Who do you think will be Man Utd's manager next season? Let us know in the comments section.
"Maradona, for my generation, is always a very special player. When I was a child Maradona was like a god.
"It is difficult in your mind to change your view and say Messi is better or Ronaldo is better, but right now Messi is the best in the world."
Pochettino also said in November of last year that Messi should be handed the Ballon d’Or trophy for a record seventh time.
"The Ballon d’Or should go to Messi without any doubt,” Pochettino told El Partidazo de COPE when asked who he felt the winner should be.
"And if I didn’t coach Messi, I would still say Messi. I answer with my heart. I always say what I feel.
"On the podium with him would have to be Lewandowski and Cristiano."
As things currently stand, Rangnick is expected to depart Old Trafford at the end of the current campaign, but the German boss has previously refused to rule out the possibility of extending his stay at the club.
Pochettino, Ajax boss Erik ten Hag and Leicester ’s Brendan Rodgers have all been linked with the job, but who will be the club’s next permanent manager remains to be seen.
And that’s a decision that has now been made even harder following Ronaldo’s reported stance.
A source told the Star: "He thought it would be better than this. He's a born winner and want to be winning more trophies, so who the next manager turns out to be will help him decide his next move."
Ronaldo completed his sensational return to Old Trafford on deadline day, but things haven’t been as smooth as the Portuguese superstar would have hoped.
Despite United’s poor form, Ronaldo has still managed to net 14 times in just 21 appearances for The Red Devils this season.
United and Ronaldo will have a welcome break from the Premier League when they face Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Monday.
