Mauricio Pochettino is having a brilliant World Cup as head coach of the United States, showcasing the managerial talent that Manchester United twice missed out on. The Argentine was on the verge of taking over at Old Trafford on two separate occasions, but circumstances led the club in other directions.
Pochettino's Near-Misses at Manchester United
In the 2018/19 season, Pochettino was widely considered the front-runner to become Manchester United's permanent manager. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was initially appointed as interim and impressed with six consecutive wins, including a crucial victory at Tottenham in mid-January. After beating Paris Saint-Germain in March, United appointed Solskjaer permanently, despite a poor end to the season and Spurs reaching the Champions League final. Pochettino left Tottenham a few months later.
In 2022, Pochettino was again in the running, this time competing with Erik ten Hag while managing PSG. Football director John Murtough was impressed by Ten Hag in talks, and United chose the Dutchman—a decision that later proved wrong. Pochettino explained, "I was under contract at PSG. After our Champions League elimination against Real Madrid, we had no option but to secure the Ligue 1 title. United were in a hurry to announce their new manager because the situation had become unsustainable. I couldn't negotiate, whereas Ajax gave Ten Hag the flexibility."
Sir Alex Ferguson's Admiration
Pochettino has always had a big fan in Sir Alex Ferguson, who was hugely impressed by his Southampton team. Ferguson sought out Pochettino's number for a dinner between the two, highlighting the Argentine's standing at Old Trafford.
World Cup Resurgence
Now 54, Pochettino's stock had fallen after leaving Tottenham and a stint at Chelsea, but his performance at the World Cup has revived his reputation. His US team has played with unmatched intensity and aggression, resembling a European club side. The hosts have growing momentum and are strong contenders to reach the quarter-finals. That success will put Pochettino back in the frame for a top European club job.
His contract ends after the tournament, and while he said he is "open" to extending, it may be time to move on. Nothing can match coaching the US through a home World Cup, and the Gold Cup lacks the same allure.
United's Current Situation
Pochettino might be back on the market just as United have appointed Michael Carrick on a two-year contract. Carrick's success in the second half of last season made him the right choice. Had Carrick not performed as well, or had United waited, Pochettino could have been in contention. But it increasingly appears he will never manage Manchester United.
