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#1 Mauricio Pochettino
In theory, there are few managers in Europe that fit the bill for the job at Old Trafford better than Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentinean manager at just 46 has been one of the most impressive coaches in the Premier League for more than three years now, especially after considering the circumstances he’s faced over that period.
Tottenham have a significantly lesser net spend in comparison to any of their elite rivals in the Premier League since Pochettino took over, who has been forced to work on the budget of a mid-table club and has been expected to achieve results of a top-four club.
Tottenham went from occasional contestants for a place in the top-four to Champions League regulars under Pochettino.
He has implemented a style of play that is not just exciting to watch and aesthetically pleasing, but also effective at the same time. The North London club also boast the joint-best defensive record over the last two years alongside Manchester United.
Pochettino’s guidance and mentorship have seen players such as Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Keiran Trippier, Ben Davies, Davison Sanchez and a host of others grow magnificently over time.
His time at Spurs has perfectly exhibited his ability to nurture young talent and play a style of football that would undoubtedly appeal to the Old Trafford faithful.
Added to that, of course, is the abundance of young players available at United with untapped potential waiting to be unlocked by different setups.
Of all the potential managers United appoint (should Mourinho lose his job), what makes Spurs boss Pochettino the most ideal man for the job is the fact that he can be appointed as a coach for the long term – a problem that United have been unable to find a solution since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
The former Southampton manager has shown in North London his ability to work keeping the long-term future in mind which is a crucial aspect that has to be considered.
He’s built a squad that is future-proof and is undeniably top notch (should Spurs manage to retain their players summer after summer).
The glaring flaw with this appointment would be the lack of trophies won by the manager. For the commendable job he’s done at Spurs, he has no silverware to show for and that could potentially be seen as a concern.
Yet, he’s one of the few managers United could appoint even with a lack of a boastful CV due to his significantly positive work in the same league as United, and more importantly, with a top-six club. He is the closest opportunity United have at this point to re-ignite the values of the club inculcated and reiterated by Sir Alex Ferguson.
With an incoming Director of Football, United’s bankroll and a manager who is adept at nurturing young talents while playing an appealing brand of football, Pochettino is a tailor-made choice for Manchester United and Woodward to consider.
Who do you think should replace Mourinho if he is sacked? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!
