Transfers
Man Utd eye Pochettino as January fix amid INEOS overhaul
According to reports, Man Utd have compiled a three‑man shortlist for what could be Mauricio Pochettino’s first signing in January.
The club are also planning to move beyond current head coach Michael Carrick, with Pochettino set to replace him.
Pochettino, a long‑term target, is on the brink of joining the Red Devils at Old Trafford, a role described as a huge job.
The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and PSG boss would arrive while United sit 18th in the Premier League after winning only three of their first 15 games in all competitions this season.
Manchester United need a manager with far more experience and tactical acumen than Carrick, and Pochettino fits that billing.
INEOS, the club’s owners, have also outlined two January priorities as part of the overhaul.
January targets and transfer plans
United want to sign a striker and a centre‑back in January, with a three‑man shortlist already identified for the defensive position.
Growing expectation Pochettino will take charge of Man Utd against Liverpool
Any new striker is expected to arrive on loan rather than on a permanent deal.
Potential centre‑back targets named by Confidential include Brentford’s Nathan Collins and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, who have joined Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite on the list.
Injuries may force United into the market in January, according to the same source.
United’s summer spending of around £150 million on midfielders Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans did not address shortages at left‑back, centre‑back, left‑wing and up‑front.
The lack of reinforcement in those areas has contributed to the club’s poor start and makes additional signings in the winter transfer window more likely.
The club also failed to offload Joshua Zirkzee or secure cover for Benjamin Sesko in the summer, leaving the striker position still vacant.
Pochettino is therefore expected to receive more players in January to tackle the squad deficiencies identified by the report.