Manchester United are preparing to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager if they decide to sack Michael Carrick during today's meeting in Monaco, with the Argentine identified as the club's top choice to take the team forward.
Just under six months after being appointed United's permanent successor to Ruben Amorim, Carrick is on the verge of leaving Old Trafford. While the responsibility for United's poor start to the season lies beyond the backroom staff, it appears Carrick is the one who will face the consequences.
Pochettino identified as preferred candidate
MEN Sport understands work is already underway to appoint Carrick's successor. Pochettino has been identified by United's hierarchy as the right man to take the club forward, and on paper he ticks a lot of boxes for the Reds.
Perhaps top of Ineos' list is that he is affordable. Despite signing a new four-year contract with the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) in August, it is understood a release clause of $10m (£7.43m) is included in his contract. That is not only a reasonable sum, but it also indicates United could get a deal done quickly for the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss.
More importantly to supporters will be Pochettino's experience on the touchline. He is well thought of in north London for his time at Spurs when he led them to the Champions League final. When he was dismissed, it was seen as a harsh call and, considering what has happened since at Tottenham, Pochettino's departure must be considered a mistake.
Eriksen's insight into Pochettino's methods
His teams like to play an attractive brand of football and he favours a 4-2-3-1, which should not be too much of a learning curve for United's current squad. One former United player knows Pochettino better than most and has already provided an insight into what working with the Argentine manager will be like.
Christian Eriksen made 255 appearances for Pochettino during his time at Spurs, more than any other player, according to Transfermarkt. Speaking to United's in-house media in 2023, Eriksen provided a glimpse at what life could be like for his former teammates.
"I think, obviously, I had Poch for a lot longer than the other managers and I think what we did and what we created with him, the team we had, was incredible," Eriksen explained. "So, learning-wise, I did learn from Poch."
"You'd have the ball less in training than before but have the ball a lot more in the games. With him, there was a lot of tough training, a lot of running, which is important for the physical part. We were a young side so, for us, it was the perfect mix and, just in the game, to play free."
Running stats highlight key issue
What should stand out for United fans is Pochettino's focus on running. One of the major criticisms of the team this season has been their lack of running. According to Opta, United have covered 1,125.2km so far this season, the second-lowest distance in the Premier League.
Back in September, Gary Neville likened United to 'mannequins' and there seems to be a direct correlation between the Reds' lack of running and their position in the table. If Pochettino can get this team running, not only in training but during matches, he will be on his way to solving one of United's major problems.
Eriksen's testimony should give United fans plenty of optimism. But Pochettino's success will be measured by whether or not he can impose his philosophy on this group of players.
