Pochettino and Chelsea have parted ways amicably, possibly opening the door for discussions between the former Tottenham manager and INEOS head Sir Jim Ratcliffe, while Erik ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford remains precarious.
The 52-year-old Argentine was considered for the United job alongside Ten Hag in April 2022 when he was nearing his exit from Paris Saint-Germain. At that time, United executives Richard Arnold and John Murtough reportedly engaged in talks with him.
However, they were ultimately swayed by Ten Hag’s in-depth understanding of United and his strategies for improvement. Ten Hag delivered promising results in his first season, securing a third-place finish and Carabao Cup victory.
However, the current season has seen a downturn, with United finishing eighth in the Premier League and exiting the Champions League in the group stage. Despite an upcoming FA Cup Final, Ten Hag’s future at United remains uncertain, as evidenced by Ratcliffe’s recent refusal to publicly support him.
Pochettino is viewed favorably by fans due to his dynamic playing style that propelled Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League Final, where they famously defeated Ten Hag’s Ajax.
Meanwhile, potential successors at Stamford Bridge include newly promoted managers Kieran McKenna from Ipswich and Enzo Maresca from Leicester, both of whom have also been linked with the Old Trafford position.
Other contenders include Roberto De Zerbi, formerly of Brighton, Sebastian Hoeness from Stuttgart, and Hansi Flick, currently managing Girona and formerly of the German national team. Speculation has also surrounded former United and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, though his chances are considered remote.
Manchester United performance and stats
Manchester United
Manchester United is currently 8th in the Premier League with 54 points.
In the last 38 games, it has won 18 times, drawn 6 times, and lost 14 times. In its last match, Manchester United won 0-2 against Brighton & Hove Albion.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 52 goals and conceding 56.
Chelsea performance and stats
Chelsea
Chelsea is currently 7th in the Premier League with 57 points.
In the last 38 games, it has won 18 times, drawn 9 times, and lost 11 times. In its last match, Chelsea won 2-1 against AFC Bournemouth.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 73 goals and conceding 61.
