PSG director Leonardo says he wants Pochettino to stay as Ten Hag to Manchester United heats up

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Manchester United fans heard exciting news last night as The Mail reported Erik Ten Hag has told Ajax he wishes to leave at the end of the season.

Ten Hag is reportedly eyeing a move to United, leaving many fans to wonder, how will the club’s board possibly manage to screw this open goal up?

One way, would be to hire Mauricio Pochettino instead. The Argentine is a credible candidate, who The Athletic reported this week was United’s top choice, who the club have done plenty of diligence on.

Ten Hag is just a more exciting option, who feels like the right man for the job in 2022, whereas Pochettino seemed like the best option in 2018.

So if you are pro-Ten Hag, there were some welcome comments last night from Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo.

Pochettino exit played down

Leonardo spoke to French newspaper L’Equipe on a wide range of issues, with manager among them. He insisted the club are committed to Mauricio Pochettino.

Denying claims they had spoken with Zinedine Zidane, Leonardo said any doubts came from Pochettino’s end, rather than PSG’s.

Leonard said: “We never thought about changing coaches. We never contacted Zidane or anyone else.

“I think Pochettino may have had moments of doubt, but he never asked to leave. I have no problem with him. We talk about everything.”

Pochettino has been contacted by United, regularly, Le Parisien reported, with the newspaper claiming last month that the Argentine and PSG were set for a ‘divorce’ at the end of the season.

Instead it appears they are on the same page, for now. In fact, Pochettino is gaining power. A report from Le Parisien last night claimed PSG have agreed to a restructure of staff, changing personnel in the medical and performance departments at Pochettino’s request, because he was not happy with the existing set up.

If PSG are making these moves to keep him happy, it’s because they intend to try and keep him, and as they should right now, with results on track.

It could all quickly change if PSG lose their Champions League last 16 second leg to Real Madrid next week, relinquishing their 1-0 advantage from the first leg.

But for now the stars seem to be aligning for Erik Ten Hag to head to Manchester United.

Pochettino being taken off the table as an option makes it almost impossible for United to get this wrong. Famous last words…