Manchester United will reportedly aim to replace Jose Mourinho with fellow Premier League manager Mauricio Pochettino if they fail to make the top four
According to a report by The Sun, Manchester United will part ways with Jose Mourinho, if he fails to guide the club to a top four finish at the end of the season. Should the Portuguese indeed be sacked, the Premier League heavyweights would prefer replacing him with Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
The 2018-19 season has been an extremely topsy turvy ride for Manchester United and Mourinho, with the side struggling to string together a run of positive results. The Red Devils seemed to be improving over the last month or so, having held Chelsea to a draw at Stamford Bridge while also beating Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.
But, Manchester United seem to be back to square one after suffering a 3-1 loss at the hands of Premier League champions Manchester City this past weekend, wherein they were largely listless. The inconsistencies are starting to frustrate the club board, who are exploring possible replacement options for Mourinho.
Mourinho must deliver a top four finish at the end of the season to remain at the helm at Old Trafford. If not, that might be it for the former Chelsea manager, with Manchester United looking at Mauricio Pochettino to replace him in the case that Champions League football is not secured for next season.
Pochettino has been mentioned in connection with the Manchester United job on previous occasions as well, with club legend Gary Neville also publicly giving his backing to the Argentine. His work with Tottenham has been a remarkable testament to his managerial abilities, with Spurs well established as a force in Premier League football now.
Additionally, his ability to nurture the talents of prodigious youngsters would align with the principles at Manchester United as well, making him an ideal fit to take charge at Old Trafford, if Mourinho is shown the exit door. But, prising Pochettino away from Tottenham could be a tall order for the Red Devils.
If Real Madrid’s interest in the Argentine did not make the pursuit tough already, the fact that he is on a long-term contract with Spurs means persuading Daniel Levy to part ways with him might just be an impossible task.
However, the fact that Pochettino has suggested that he is unhappy at Tottenham despite guiding them to their best ever start to a Premier League season might be a silver lining. For now though, the primary objective is to finish the season in the top four, which will take some doing judging by the inconsistent form that Mourinho’s men have showcased this season.
His unhappiness with the club’s transfer business and scouting network may have been a contributing factor to the poor results on the field. But, if Jose Mourinho does not get things in order, Manchester United may just axe from the top job altogether, possibly for fellow Premier League manager Mauricio Pochettino, if they have their way.
