Pochettino emerges as Manchester United’s five-point solution

Mauricio Pochettino is among the leading candidates to succeed Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager, with reports suggesting the United States head coach is open to a new challenge at Old Trafford.

Carrick is expected to leave during the international break, and Pochettino’s Premier League experience with Tottenham and Chelsea is seen as a major strength. The Sun has identified five reasons why the Argentine could be suited to rebuilding the club.

Developing young players

Pochettino has a strong record of improving young talent, having worked with Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Dele Alli and Cole Palmer.

Palmer said in an interview with the BBC in March 2024: “He gave me the freedom to play my way. I like it when he gives you that freedom because I feel I can express my ability more.”

He added: “He speaks to you every day about different things, not all football-related but life as well. He is good at making you feel comfortable and trying to get the best out of you.”

Son, after Pochettino left Tottenham, said: “There is no need to talk about how grateful I am to this man. Words cannot express my appreciation. I learned so much from you, not only in football but in life.”

Manchester United have several young players Pochettino could develop, including Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Patrick Dorgu, Carlos Baleba and Amad Diallo.

Rebuilding the dressing room

United have struggled with team spirit and cohesion since Sir Alex Ferguson left. Former interim manager Ralf Rangnick said his biggest disappointment was failing to create “a team spirit that helped us in all different areas of the game”.

Gary Neville has also previously raised concerns about dressing-room leaks.

Pochettino places importance on players’ personal and family lives. Palmer said the manager discussed family problems with him because understanding events away from football helped him assess their effect on the pitch.

Dele Alli described Pochettino as a father figure, while Kane said in 2016 that he had created “a family atmosphere, and brotherhood between the players”.

Experience of difficult rebuilds

Pochettino inherited challenging situations at Tottenham and Chelsea. Tottenham had endured turmoil after Tim Sherwood’s departure, while Chelsea finished 12th before Pochettino arrived, winning once in their final 12 matches and carrying a large squad.

He led Tottenham to their highest Premier League finish, second in 2016-17, and took them to the Champions League final in 2019. At Chelsea, he overcame a difficult start, secured European qualification and helped Palmer become one of the club’s leading players.

Handling the media

Manchester United managers face intense scrutiny. Ruben Amorim complained in December 2025 that former players sometimes judged the club against standards from an era when it was winning constantly. Erik ten Hag said last month that former players could help the club rather than only criticise it.

Pochettino has a positive relationship with the British media and appeared on Gary Neville’s Stick to Football. Neville previously included him among his preferred candidates to replace Amorim, alongside Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti, citing the need for media, dressing-room and ownership skills, attractive football and Champions League experience.

Reviving Marcus Rashford

Pochettino could also be asked to restore Marcus Rashford’s form. The 29-year-old returned to Manchester United’s plans this season after 18 months away, during which he had loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona.

Rashford has no goals or assists in eight appearances this season, was dropped against Leeds last month and later missed matches with a hip problem. He has scored 138 goals for United’s first team.

Pochettino praised him in 2022, saying: “I have always liked Rashford. I think he is a great player. All he needs is confidence and belief in himself to reach the highest level. The potential is there.”