Mauricio Pochettino interested in Manchester United managerial role

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino is interested in the vacant Manchester United managerial role. The former Spurs boss would be keen on a switch if the Red Devils approached the French club to discuss hiring their manager. 

As per a new report, the Argentine enjoys a good relationship with former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, which could play a part in him leaving the French side for United. 

“It is understood that Pochettino would be open to a move should United make a formal approach. GOAL also understands that the PSG boss has a good relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson, which could be key in him making any decision to leave France. Pochettino’s relationship with PSG sporting director Leonardo is not the best, and it is also understood that he wants to be at a club where he would have a lot of power in the decision-making process,” said the report. 

Pochettino was keen on becoming the United manager after the sacking of Jose Mourinho in 2019, but a strong run by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ensured that he got the role permanently. The Argentinian joined PSG in January on an 18-month contract and was given an extension in the summer. It hasn’t been all rosy at the Parisian club for Pochettino, as he has had some disagreements with sporting director Leonardo. 

The former Southampton and Spurs manager wants to manage a club where he has a lot more say, which he feels he doesn’t have at PSG. Pochettino has a supremely talented squad at his disposal and his side has taken a huge lead in the French league and is currently 11 points ahead of Nice in Ligue 1. Pochettino is expected to win the league – which will be his first league title as manager – while also progressing to the last stages of the Champions League. 

Over at Manchester United, former player and coach Michael Carrick will coach the side until an interim manager is appointed to take them till the end of the season. Apart from Pochettino, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers, and Ajax’s Erik ten Hag are in the running for the Manchester United managerial role. 

PSG also seems to have backup plans if Pochettino decides to leave the club midway through the season. Former Real Madrid manager and French legend Zinedine Zidane, is being lined up as a potential replacement for Pochettino. Zidane has been out of a job since May, when he left Madrid for the second time in his managerial career.