Manchester United have a clear path to Mauricio Pochettino this summer, if the Argentine is the club’s manager of choice.
French newspaper Le Parisien report Paris Saint-Germain and Pochettino will part ways at the end of the season.
It claims PSG have already begun the search for Pochettino’s successor.
Why the news is emerging now
We noted earlier in the day how Pochettino’s PSG were dumped out of the French Cup on penalties by Nice last night. This looks to have been the final straw.
PSG are clear at the top of Ligue 1, but after missing out on the title to Lille last year, this was the minimum expectation.
The procession to the title has also taken the buzz out of the expectant league win, with PSG 11 points clear.
It is claimed not even a Champions League and Ligue 1 double will change PSG’s minds to move on from Pochettino.
Pochettino has failed to get the best out of Lionel Messi since he joined, while the club have been unable to convince Kylian Mbappe to sign a new deal and he could leave the club this summer on a free transfer.
United’s dilemma
On one hand, it’s great news PSG are not likely to put up a fight for Pochettino. A month ago Le Parisien claimed Manchester United and Pochettino have been in regular contact since November.
The Mail reported when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked that Pochettino was so unhappy in Paris he would consider joining immediately. By staying, he is likely to add a Ligue 1 title medal to his fairly barren collection.
So while it is good United can take Pochettino on without a fight, there is also the rather key question of why?
Why are PSG so happy to get rid of him? An early cup exit with PSG’s resources does not reflect well on him. Despite the upcoming title win, Pochettino’s time in France has been hugely underwhelming.
Erik Ten Hag is United’s main alternative as next manager, and a far more exciting one.
However, it is unclear if Ajax are willing to let him go, if he wants to come, and how he might fare in the Premier League.
Pochettino has a proven track record in the Premier League, although not a winning one, and United have a big decision ahead.
United may only get one shot at either coach. Get it wrong, and the decision could be costly.
- Donald Trump will be at World Cup final, but US president’s Man Utd ‘connection’ is deeper than some might think
- Analysing how Marcus Rashford performed in England’s 6-4 win over France
- Lisandro Martinez has never taken penalty in his whole career, but this is what he could do in World Cup final
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have once again been vindicated with major Man Utd call, despite Wrexham defeat
- 14 things I liked and disliked from Man Utd vs Wrexham pre-season opener
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
