Rickie Lambert has admitted he’s still surprised by Manchester United’s decision to hire Erik ten Hag back in May 2022.
The Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford off the back of a poor campaign under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
Erik ten Hag’s debut season proved to be an encouraging one, with Manchester United scooping a League Cup and finishing third in the Premier League.
Many believed the Red Devils had finally landed on the right man but things can change quickly in football.
Ten Hag is now facing an uncertain future after a poor season, guiding United to an eighth-place finish.
The former Ajax boss will have the chance to add an FA Cup to his resume against Man City this Saturday and strengthen his claim to remain at Old Trafford.
But former Liverpool and Southampton striker Rickie Lambert believes United hired the wrong man.
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Lambert still shocked United didn’t hire Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino was another name who was heavily linked with United before the club decided to bring in Ten Hag.
Reports at the time claimed Pochettino had huge support in the United dressing room to take over. But United went against the players and appointed Ten Hag.
Now, two years later, Pochettino is being linked with a move to Manchester once again after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent on Tuesday. And Rickie Lambert believes he’d be a good fit for the Red Devils.
“I remember a few years ago when they picked Ten Hag over Pochettino,” he told talkSPORT [23/05 9:12am]. “I couldn’t believe it. I thought he was destined to get that job and then they went with Ten Hag.
“I think whatever job he gets, he’s the top man for it. I’m shocked Chelsea have got rid of him but I can’t believe it. Ideally, I would love to see him at England.”
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Pochettino would suit Man United
Given the fact that United’s youngsters have been a huge positive for them this season, Pochettino seems like an ideal candidate should Ten Hag move on.
The Argentine, previously lauded as a ‘very intelligent manager’ by Erik Lamela, boasts a brilliant track record of developing younger players, particularly during his spells at Tottenham and Southampton.
Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund are all players who would likely thrive under the former Spurs boss.