It is no secret by now that Mauricio Pochettino is among the leading contenders to be Manchester United’s new manager.
The Argentine oversaw Paris Saint-Germain’s exit from the Champions League on Wednesday night, as the French giants collapsed once again on the big stage.
They were 2-0 up on aggregate before Karim Benzema took over and familiar failings took hold of PSG, meaning that their Champions League dream is done for another year.
And the Times are reporting that Pochettino could immediately pay with his job.
They claim that Pochettino is facing the sack and there is the possibility that he could go now, rather than wait until the end of the season.
That does contrast with what PSG sporting director said after the game to RMC Sport: “We must not throw everything away and put everything in the trash. We don’t have to start all over again with each defeat.
“The objective is to win the Champions League, and until half-time of this match we were fine.
“We must try to improve this team and keep the morale up to play in Ligue 1 and end the season well. We have to stay together. Pochettino is still in the draft this season. Now is not the time to think about that.”
Those comments indicated that PSG were set to show some faith and patience but those qualities have often been in short supply in the French capital.
And if Pochettino knows he is gone at the end of the season, it might be better for all parties if he is sacked now.
The only issue for a manager without a league title to his name so far is he would be leaving before he scooped the Ligue 1 crown.
If Pochettino was sacked now, it would alter the complexion of things at United. The Argentine would become easier to get and theoretically more attractive.
If he is United’s top candidate and the fates align to make him available and easier to talk to, then great.
But United should avoid swaying towards Pochettino if he does become available just because it is the easy option.
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