Mauricio Pochettino would insist on a box of lemons being allowed in the Manchester United manager's office should he replace Michael Carrick as head coach, as he believes they absorb negative energy. The Argentine is the bookmakers' leading contender to take over at Old Trafford if Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides on a managerial change.
United's poor start and Carrick's uncertain future
Carrick's position remains uncertain after a dismal start to the Premier League campaign, with United securing just eight points from their first 10 fixtures. They sit 18th in the league standings, marking their weakest start to a season in four decades.
Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada are scheduled to meet Ratcliffe at a senior Ineos staff gathering in Monaco on Wednesday, where the director of sport and CEO are expected to propose moving on without Carrick. Should United follow that path, they would have the November international window to find a replacement.
Pochettino's contract and potential costs
Pochettino is widely regarded as the likely choice, though securing the 54-year-old could prove expensive. He is currently contracted to the United States national side until 2031, but his contract reportedly includes a release clause worth $10m (£7.44m).
Factoring in the projected £3m compensation United must pay Carrick due to a one-year exit provision, Ratcliffe's side would need to spend upwards of £10m on recruitment and dismissals.
Pochettino's lemon belief
The board would also need to allow Pochettino to keep a box of lemons in the manager's quarters, as reports indicate he believes lemons absorb negative energy. Speaking on the Overlap, Pochettino said: "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."
One alternative suggestion involves appointing Bayern Munich assistant Aaron Danks. The 43-year-old is part of Vincent Kompany's backroom staff in Bavaria, having previously worked with Carrick at Middlesbrough. There is optimism that bolstering the coaching team could help reverse United's fortunes, given the close working relationship Danks and Carrick have developed.
Whether Ratcliffe will opt to sever ties with Carrick or grant the Englishman more time to turn results around remains uncertain.
