Mauricio Pochettino has been tipped to complete the marquee signing of Como midfielder Nico Paz for Manchester United. Pochettino has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal in Manchester and will join up with the squad ahead of their trip to Anfield to face Liverpool next Sunday.
United have made their worst start to a season in 40 years and are currently without a league win since mid-August. As he looks to arrest that slide, Pochettino is expected to be backed in the January transfer window as United look to fill gaping holes in their squad at left-back and forward areas.
Potential squad overhaul under Pochettino
Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor believes Pochettino may also look to move on senior players and earmarked Bruno Fernandes as one who might have an uncertain future under the Argentine. Fernandes’ contract is up at the end of the season, with recent reports suggesting that the Red Devils captain has rejected a second contract offer from the club.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor mused: ‘Maybe Pochettino comes in and says, “You know what? I don’t like his attitude. I don’t like the way he throws his arms up at his teammates, the way he threw Michael Carrick under the bus. Can I go and get my own players?”’
Nico Paz as a potential replacement
Should Fernandes leave the club, Agbonlahor earmarked Como midfielder Paz as the perfect candidate to ‘refresh’ United’s squad. ‘Nico Paz – how good has he been?’ he added. ‘He’s the next star for Argentina.
‘Does Pochettino say, “You know what? I want him next summer from Como, make it happen”. Save the money on wages that maybe Bruno Fernandes wants.
‘So he might have his own ideas to get all these players out that maybe have been a little bit of a problem and to refresh the whole squad.’
Paz’s form and transfer situation
Paz tormented Michael Carrick’s side in the Champions League last month, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 4-1 victory, having grown into one of Serie A’s brightest talents under Cesc Fabregas. The Argentine joined Como in 2024 from Real Madrid, although Los Blancos do retain a £67million buy-back clause, which can be activated next summer.
Recent reports in Spain indicate that the possibility of a move to the Premier League appeals to Paz’s representatives, although Como’s transfer position and Real’s intentions will be a deciding factor.
