‘No problem’: ESPN pundit thinks Man United should hire ‘world-class’ manager who’s brilliant with youngsters

Manchester United could be on the lookout for a new manager over the coming weeks, with Erik ten Hag’s future up in the air.

The Red Devils are set for a huge clash at Wembley on Saturday as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup final for the second year running.

Erik ten Hag is thought to be fighting for his future at Old Trafford after a poor season in the Premier League. The Dutchman guided Manchester United to an eight-place finish – five places and 15 points worse off than last season.

With Ten Hag’s future in doubt, plenty of names have already been linked with a move to Manchester, including the likes of Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi and Graham Potter.

A fresh name has been thrown into the mix in Mauricio Pochettino after the Argentine left Chelsea by mutual consent on Tuesday.

Now, ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has explained why he feels the former Tottenham boss would be a good fit for United.

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Steve Nicol on Mauricio Pochettino to Man United rumours

Speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol reacted to claims that Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Ten Hag should INEOS decide to dismiss the Dutchman this summer.

The pundit would have no issue with Pochettino taking over at Old Trafford due to his ability to develop talented young players.

“I would have no problem with Pochettino getting the Manchester United job,” Nicol said. “Absolutely not. He took Spurs very close to a Premier League title. He got beaten in a Champions League final so he knows what he’s doing.

“He’s brought young players along. Right now, the positives at United are about the young players they have so you’ve got a guy who’s got a past of bringing young players along and with the finances that United should have, then you go and top that up with some quality. So, I would have no problem with Pochettino being Manchester United manager.”

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Pochettino and Ten Hag’s 2023/24 seasons compared

Many expected United to kick on this season after such a promising debut campaign for Ten Hag last time out.

Things haven’t quite worked out as planned and the Dutchman has struggled to build on his early success in Manchester.

This season, Ten Hag crashed out of the Champions League in the group stages but has reached the FA Cup final for the second time.

As for Pochettino, his Chelsea side were beaten in the FA Cup semi-final by Manchester City and also suffered defeat in the Carabao Cup final at the hands of Liverpool.

Despite a tough season, the Argentine guided Chelsea to a sixth-place finish after finishing the campaign with five wins from his last six games in the dugout.

Pochettino’s 23/24 Premier League record

Ten Hag’s 23/24 Premier League record