Tottenham axed Pochettino as a manager in November after a terrible start to the new season. United are now reportedly keen on his services
Manchester United appointed Ole Gunnar Solkjaer as the manager 1 year ago towards the end of 2018. Since then the Norwegian has had a roller coaster ride as the United boss. It seemed as Ole was the perfect man for the job when United consecutively won games following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. However post March, the tables turned and United have failed to find the same consistency and rhythm. United had their worst ever Premier League starts under Ole Gunnar Solkjaer this season. While injuries has been a major problem, tactical incompetence and lack of control has also affected the performance. It seems as though the manager is being taken for granted and does not have control over the club.
While most of Manchester United’s legends back their teammate, Ole for the job. It is evident that there is something lacking in Ole’s approach. And that is affecting United’s hopes of competing for the Premier League anytime soon. Mauricio Pochettino, on the other hand, is an experienced Premier League manager. One of the best in the world, he managed to lead Tottenham Hotspurs to the Champions League finals. That too, without spending a single penny in transfers. Not to mention, Spurs almost won the trophy.
The 47-year-old has been heavily linked with the Old Trafford hot seat following his sacking as Tottenham boss in November. He was believed to be in the frame to take over at United when Jose Mourinho was dismissed. Before Solskjaer’s impressive spell as interim boss earned him the gig full-time. But United chiefs are now considering their options in light of the club’s inconsistent performances and results. Italian media outlet Alfredo Pedulla report United have already opened discussions with Pochettino, who is keen on stepping back into management at Old Trafford.

What’s stopping this deal from going through
However, the Argentine is adamant he will only take up the reins if he has full control over transfers. Mourinho was often at loggerheads with the United board over their failure to land his primary targets. Pochettino suffered a similar experience at Spurs, where he was often hamstrung by chairman Daniel Levy’s frugal dealings in the transfer market. Another reason being that United have persistently backed Solkjaer. The Norwegian had a good run as a player for the club. Being a club legend himself, the board still trusts Solkjaer to bring United back to glory. The Norwegian is under increased pressure at United following a disappointing defeat to rivals Liverpool on Sunday. He has also come under fire for the treatment of Marcus Rashford, after being accused of failing to protect his players.

“I never put myself before the team,” said Solskjaer. “I always put the team and the club before anything else.”