Mauricio Pochettino will make changes to the Manchester United training ground and make the Red Devils as intense as possible, according to ex-Tottenham star Toby Alderweireld. Pochettino is expected to be confirmed as Michael Carrick's replacement, after the latter was sacked.
The ex-Chelsea manager's work with the United States National team is not quite done, as he will take charge of their two-legged CONCACAF Nations League tie against Haiti. Once these fixtures are over, it's widely believed he will turn his attention towards United. When he does, the Argentine has been tipped to immediately overhaul some things within the club.
Intensity and fitness set to change
This will include the training ground and some of Carrick's methods, according to Alderweireld. United have been widely criticised for their lack of intensity in matches, something the former defender has stated will immediately change when his former Southampton and Spurs boss arrives.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the Belgian remarked: "He will make players fit, that's for sure. Second of all he brings intensity. It's not like everyone is playing their own game, he wants a team that's going to be on the front foot. He wants to play pressure and having the ball as well. A clear idea, intensity and players being fit, I think that's the way he likes to work."
United's struggles this season
This campaign, United have faced criticism for their insufficient energy levels, especially when out of possession. Carrick's squad ranks near the foot of the Premier League regarding distance covered, sprints and high-intensity pressing. Alderweireld's remarks indicate Pochettino will swiftly address these troubling statistics.
Pochettino will take charge of a United team who have failed to secure victory since August and sit 18th in the Premier League. In the Champions League, United occupy 17th position with four fixtures remaining and trail the top eight by just three points, with those sides advancing directly to the round of 16.
In the tournament, United face Sporting away on Wednesday 25, welcome RB Leipzig on December 8, meet Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on January 20 and then visit Villarreal on January 27.
Pochettino's challenge ahead
Pochettino undoubtedly faces a considerable challenge, especially given United's precarious current form. Nevertheless, Alderweireld maintains the timing couldn't be better for the Argentine to assume control.
The former defender told Sky Sports: "This is the perfect moment for him to be at Man Utd. Not many people expect too much, which gives him the opportunity to get to work. He'll probably change a lot of things around the training ground and shift the mentality. I think people will be shocked by just how well he does."
