Chelsea confirmed on Tuesday evening that they had mutually agreed to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino after just one season.
Of course, speculation immediately began over Manchester United’s potential pursuit of the Argentine manager, whom they have been linked with countless times in recent years.
It comes amid a period of uncertainty for the Old Trafford faithful and Erik ten Hag, with the boss widely reported to be on somewhat borrowed time since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority stake was ratified back in February.
Since then, Ten Hag has overseen United’s lowest-ever Premier League finish in eighth place, but he does have the to chance claim silverware for a second successive season with this Saturday’s FA Cup final.
Should United reign victorious against current holders and fierce rivals Manchester City, it would also book them a spot in next term’s Europa League.
Until then, though, fans are left to deal with contrasting reports over the future of the Dutchman. Some suggest that he’ll be given another season to showcase his abilities while others claim he’ll be relieved of his duties irrespective of how the side fare in the final.
Poch’s abrupt exit reignites Old Trafford links
The ever-reliable David Ornstein touched on the Red Devils’ links with now-available Pochettino, telling Sky Sports News last night: “I think Manchester United have been heavily linked with him for some time before Ten Hag.
“He [Pochettino] met with INEOS about the Nice job, too, so there’s a relationship there. And I’m sure that now he’s available, he will be in the thinking of clubs like Manchester United, and I’m sure that given their background, a club like United will hold some appeal to him.”
“I’m not suggesting that it’s going to happen,” he continued. “We have to wait and see what happens on [with] Erik ten Hag, of course. But clearly, it’s one to watch. It’s inevitably one you’ve got to watch.”
Watch Ornstein’s full interview in full below:
"He met INEOS about the Nice job, clearly it's one to watch" 👀
The Athletic's David Ornstein discusses Mauricio Pochettino potentially replacing Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager 🔴 pic.twitter.com/4CEBuY9KLF
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 21, 2024
Footage courtesy of Sky Sports.
Hearing that some Chelsea players are really upset Pochettino has left; speaks volumes about the kind of Manager he is.
I’m sure they are really upset after going above and beyond for him this season. A great bunch of lads…
But, signs were he’d turned things around and was heading in right direction.
Can you say same for ETH?
Nope: you’re hoping next season will see it all click magically into place, whereas at the start of next season I for one will be much less confident about top four than I was at the start of this.