After Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was finally relieved of his duties Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the stand-out candidate for Manchester United. MEN Sport understands that United are confident of appointing Pochettino as manager, which is certainly an improvement to the previous management at the club.
The 49-year-old has had extensive experience across Europe and has built some top teams. One thing Pochettino more or less gets right is his signings. The likes of Son Heung-Min, Ben Davies, and Lucas Moura are a few examples of Pochettino’s eye for key signings.
Manchester United fans will be hoping if Pochettino will bring some players with him if of course, he does become the new manager. There are several players who the former Spurs man could bring to Old Trafford.
Kieran Trippier
Perhaps the most likely of all, Kieran Trippier to United makes even more sense than it did back in the summer when the club were initially linked with him. The club wanted a full-back to not only bolster defensive options but also provide direct competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka whose performances going forward have been questioned.
However, former boss Solskjaer had opted to retain the services of Diogo Dalot which shut the door for Trippier. If Pochettino comes in, there’s a huge chance the interest between Trippier and United could re-spark.
Some of Trippier’s finest football in his career came at Tottenham when Pochettino was at the helm. An attacking full-back who was rather assured in his defensive responsibilities also.
Both Pochettino and Trippier left Spurs in 2019 which led to the pair tasting silverware in France and Spain respectively. A reunion at Manchester United would certainly suit everyone involved and could provide some much-needed assurance in defence.
Harry Kane
Yes, it’s optimistic. But if we think about it, it would make sense in a lot of ways. Kane had shown clearly in the summer his desire to leave Spurs as he felt ready for a new challenge. City failed in their attempts to capture the England striker which left Kane stuck at his current club. It would be unsurprising to say the least if Kane yet again pushed for a move away from Spurs and if Pochettino is in charge at Old Trafford it may make for an incredible transfer.
In an interview back in June of this year, Kane had discussed Pochettino and was full of praise as he touched upon their relationship. The England captain said: We had a great relationship. He is a great person, a great friend.
“He was the boss, the leader, the one that set the standards in how we played and how we trained. So friendship would never get in the way of what he did on the football side of things.
But we became friends in that the things we did and talked about went beyond football.”
How highly Kane regards Pochettino is not only a potential factor in what would be a sensational transfer, but also a big indication to the effect Pochettino can have on his players.
Many people reading this would ask ‘What about Ronaldo?’- which is not the stupidest thing to ask. However, as much of an icon and legend he is, Ronaldo is not getting any younger and will not be able to have an impact on every single match next season.
If Kane did come in he also seems a very football-orientated man and would realise training alongside one of the greatest ever could be too tempting- just like it may soon be for Pochettino.
Ander Herrera
This would be nostalgia at its finest. Pochettino currently manages former United man Herrera at PSG, so the working relationship is already solidified between the two. If Pochettino comes to United, personalities in the dressing who not only give it their all every game but also understand the privilege of playing for Manchester United would be a very welcomed addition.
United may also need to go into the market for added options as the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard have their contracts expiring at the end of the current season.
And let’s be honest- who wouldn’t love to see Herrera man-marking the life out of someone for 90 minutes?
Who do you think Pochettino would sign as United boss? Follow our United on my Mind trends writer Anil Kandola on Twitter
