Mauricio Pochettino would insist on keeping a box of lemons in the Manchester United manager's office if he replaces Michael Carrick, as he believes the fruit absorbs negative energy. The Argentine is the bookmakers' favourite to take charge at Old Trafford should Sir Jim Ratcliffe decide on a change of head coach.
United's Poor Start and Carrick's Uncertain Future
Carrick's position has come under scrutiny after United managed just eight points from their opening 10 Premier League matches. The club sit 18th in the table following their worst start to a season in 40 years.
Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada are due to meet Ratcliffe at a senior Ineos staff conference in Monaco on Wednesday, where the director of sport and the chief executive are expected to present a proposal to move on from Carrick. If United take that step, they would have the remainder of the November international break to identify a successor.
Pochettino's Contract and Release Clause
Pochettino is currently under contract with the United States national team until 2031. His deal is said to include a release clause of $10 million (£7.44m). Combined with an estimated £3m severance payment to Carrick under a one-year break clause, the club would face costs in excess of £10m in hiring and firing.
The board would also need to accommodate Pochettino's request to keep a box of lemons in the manager's office at all times. Reports suggest the head coach believes lemons absorb negative energy.
Pochettino's Belief in Nature
Speaking on the Overlap about the quirk, Pochettino explained: "First of all, you need to understand the nature. Nature is around us. If you are not connecting with nature, it’s difficult. And I think, for me, 100 per cent. I really believe they have an effect in attracting the bad energy."
It remains to be seen whether Ratcliffe will part ways with Carrick or give the Englishman more time to reverse the club's fortunes. One alternative proposal involves recruiting Bayern Munich assistant Aaron Danks, who previously worked under Carrick at Middlesbrough and is part of Vincent Kompany's coaching set-up in Bavaria.
