Lovren warns Pochettino may not solve Manchester United’s deeper problems

Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has questioned whether Mauricio Pochettino could succeed at Manchester United, saying the club’s difficulties extend well beyond the identity of its manager.

Pochettino has been linked with the United job as pressure increases on Michael Carrick, whose position is reportedly being assessed after another disappointing period at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are believed to have contacted the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager to discuss personal terms. Pochettino is currently in charge of the United States national team.

However, Lovren does not believe the Argentine would necessarily be the right appointment, despite their close relationship.

“I know Mauricio Pochettino really well, and I know what he likes, but I don’t see him at Man Utd,” Lovren told Hajper.

The former Croatia international said Pochettino understood the situation surrounding the club and suggested that replacing Carrick would not, on its own, resolve the issues affecting United.

“He’s quite smart and knows what’s going on around the club, and there is definitely a bigger issue than just changing the manager,” he said.

Lovren also offered some support to Carrick, saying the current Manchester United manager had positive qualities but was operating without sufficiently solid foundations.

“Even with Michael Carrick, you feel there is something good in him, but there is a bigger issue. The foundations are not quite right,” he added.

The former Liverpool defender said United’s failure to challenge at the top of English football had continued for too long, given the club’s size and status.

“There is a period where things can go wrong, but now it’s getting out of hand for how many years Manchester United has not been at the top for such a big club.

“I believe they deserve and always need to be in the top four, but you don’t see it.”

Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are reportedly among those arguing for a change, with the club’s hierarchy expected to consider Carrick’s position.

Pochettino has previously been overlooked for the Manchester United job on two occasions. In 2018, the club appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, while Erik ten Hag was chosen in 2022.

Lovren’s comments come as uncertainty continues around the managerial position, with the focus on whether United’s hierarchy believes a change in the dugout would address the club’s wider problems.