United’s relegation woes push them towards Ferguson‑backed Pochettino
Alex Ferguson may finally get his wish as Manchester United consider appointing Mauricio Pochettino. understands the Red Devils are set to sack Michael Carrick, with the club sitting inside the relegation zone after a calamitous start to the 2026/27 season. United’s chiefs are expected to push for a change in the dugout with Carrick on the brink. Ex-Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and former Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann had been the most heavily‑linked names in recent weeks before a surprise twist on Monday night. USA national team manager Mauricio Pochettino has now emerged as the leading contender to replace Carrick.
Past flirtations and Ferguson’s endorsement
The Argentine came close to being appointed Manchester United manager in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked. reported at the time that Pochettino, then in charge of Paris Saint‑Germain, was desperate for the job. Legendary Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson was actively leading the bid to appoint him. Ferguson and Pochettino only came face‑to‑face in the Premier League once – as United beat Southampton 2‑1 at Old Trafford in 2013.
Speaking after the match, the Scot admitted his team had been outplayed. A retired Ferguson then admired from afar as Pochettino took Tottenham to the brink of a Premier League title and a Champions League final. In 2016 Ferguson said, “Well the manager has been fantastic.” He added, “They have a bad record of managers, there is no doubt about that. They have had so many over the years, but this lad has composure. You never see him ruffled and the way his team play is a testimony to the work he is doing,” Getty reported.
Manchester United close to securing Pochettino and USA target Guardiola
Pochettino’s credentials and United’s next steps
Ferguson also argued the most important thing for English football is the number of English and young players in his team, noting Pochettino understands the advantage of playing young people. Labour MP David Lammy revealed that, in 2016, Ferguson believed Pochettino was the best manager in the Premier League. Pochettino oversaw three successive top‑three finishes and a run to the Champions League final with Tottenham. About six weeks ago Ferguson sat next to Pochettino at a dinner supporting grassroots football abroad, telling him, “I think you guys have the best manager in the Premier League.”
The pair had lunch together in May 2016, after which Pochettino recalled being starstruck and called himself a ‘hero worshipper’. United States national team boss Pochettino has a $10 million release clause and recently told he was open to a Premier League return. He said he admired Ferguson’s career, was impressed by his energy and aura, and would love to keep calling on his advice. Although Ferguson is no longer a paid employee at United, he remains a non‑executive director at Old Trafford. chief Alex Crook said Pochettino looks favourite now, noting his release clause is about £7 million, so the appointment would not be expensive. Crook added that Pochettino has long coveted the job and was close to United’s thinking when they appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. ’s chief Alex Crook also outlined why he believes Poch could be the right man.
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