Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino can lead a new era at Manchester United by bringing in the perfect successor to Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United are ready to step into a new era at Old Trafford, as they get closer to the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their replacement for Michael Carrick.
Alex Ferguson very impressed by Mauricio Pochettino
The Red Devils are expected to sack manager Michael Carrick this week, after leading the team to just one win in ten Premier League games so far this season – putting the team in 18th place before the international break.
Manchester United’s management has struck a personal deal with Pochettino. The contract he signed with the USMNT in the summer to continue as national team manager until 2030 includes a buyout clause of $10 million. The Argentine is eager to take over at Old Trafford and misses the level of football in the Premier League.
Should he sign on the line as the man on the bench, Pochettino will have big challenges to sort out. More defensive signings are needed in 2027 and INEOS is reportedly planning a rebuild in the summer.
That means Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are all out of contract at the end of the current season, while there are doubts about the long-term futures of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt and Diogo Dalot – who were booed by fans in the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa last weekend.
There is also a need to strengthen the attack. Joshua Zirkzee’s future looks bleak, Marcus Rashford is entering the final year of his contract, Amad hasn’t scored a goal for almost an entire calendar year, and Bruno Fernandes’ contract is about to expire – with extension negotiations stalled.
A Bruno exit is not something the club is hoping for, but it is definitely more likely now than it was a few months ago. There is said to be interest from several clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia, while the player himself may be tempted considering his age.
If he advances, replacing goals and assists must immediately become a priority for the recruitment department. Players such as Nico Paz and Morgan Gibbs-White have been linked with making the step up, but the strongest connection has been Chelsea sensation Cole Palmer.
The former Man City academy star grew up as a Man Utd supporter and was clearly open to a move to Old Trafford last summer, before Fernandes committed to United – and he then signed a new extension at Stamford Bridge.
But it was Pochettino who took Palmer to Stamford Bridge and trained him to become one of the division’s top profiles, and a reunion could be beneficial for both parties.
Palmer could be the face of the new Man Utd
Since moving to Chelsea, Palmer has blossomed as the protagonist at the heart of everything. Just like Bruno, he is the focal point of every attack. But he has qualities Fernandes doesn’t have, which make him better suited in the modern game.
Palmer is a far better dribbler and can beat players one-on-one, while also being able to score goals and deliver assists when playing in a wider position. That would allow for more tactical flexibility depending on match situations or availability.
He’s also only 24 years old, which means he still has the better part of a decade left of his career at the very highest level. Fernandes, on the other hand, is on the decline – as his performances this season have shown.
Any deal would obviously be incredibly difficult to make. Chelsea will not sell their best player, and especially not to a direct rival. But with the player’s commitment, it is possible. INEOS can make a big statement by bringing him in, filling an immediate hole in the squad and upgrading the squad.
Pochettino would get a player he knows well and can get the best out of – and together they can lead a new era at Old Trafford.
Read: ‘Shocked’ – Why Manchester United chose Erik ten Hag over Mauricio Pochettino in 2022
