Mauricio Pochettino has been formally confirmed as Manchester United manager, and reports suggest he is already considering January transfers. The Argentine boss is reportedly planning a swoop for two players he knows well from his time with the United States national team: Alex Freeman and Folarin Balogun.
Pochettino replaces Carrick
Pochettino succeeds Michael Carrick, whose troubled spell as United manager concluded on Thursday. United went into the November international break in the relegation zone, having won just one of their first 10 Premier League fixtures. In all competitions, Carrick's record was not significantly better, with the club securing two further victories in the Champions League.
Following a protracted process, INEOS ultimately dismissed Carrick. Before his exit was announced, the United hierarchy were understood to be progressing a deal for Pochettino behind the scenes, and his hiring was made official on Friday afternoon.
January targets emerge
According to TeamTALK, two names that have emerged are players Pochettino knows from his USMNT spell. Regarding Balogun, it is understood that his representatives have informed United of the forward's desire to explore a potential transfer.
Balogun, who was at the centre of a contentious red card controversy during the recent World Cup, was involved in an unsuccessful move to Everton this summer, a switch the player himself was far from enthusiastic about. The 25-year-old is now thought to be receptive to joining United, in part due to the prospect of linking up once more with Pochettino.
Full-back concerns
The full-back position has been a persistent concern for United throughout the season, prompting interest in Villarreal defender Alex Freeman. Pochettino highly regards the 22-year-old, who has established himself as a key figure in the USA's starting line-up and is versatile enough to play at right-back or centre-back.
Before any of that, Pochettino will need to focus on getting the best from the players already at his disposal. That challenge begins at Anfield following the international break, where United face fierce rivals Liverpool, before subsequent fixtures against Brentford and Sporting.
Neville backs Pochettino
Speaking to Sky Sports News, United icon Gary Neville has backed Pochettino to succeed. He said: "I've always wanted Mauricio Pochettino as the manager at United. I've said it numerous times that I wanted him. I think he's a brilliant person. I think he understands the size of the club. He's just got to come in here and protect himself against actually the people that he's working with."
