Mauricio Pochettino is preparing to take over as Manchester United manager, with club officials gathering in Monaco to discuss the future of Michael Carrick. The club currently sits in the relegation zone after its worst start to a league season in a century, prompting the need for a new figure in the dugout.
Pochettino is expected to receive backing in the transfer market, both in January and beyond, as United aim to restore their former glory. This would mean further significant investment in the squad, raising the question of what a Pochettino dream XI at Old Trafford might look like.
Defensive Overhaul and Full-Back Reinforcements
In goal, Senne Lammens remains a recent recruit and a capable goalkeeper, despite having conceded a few goals recently. The thinking is that if it is not entirely broken, there is no need to fix it.
Full-back has become a genuine problem area for United. Luke Shaw's persistent injury record continues to affect his fitness and form, while Diogo Dalot has not impressed despite being in his ninth season at the club. At Tottenham, Pochettino developed young, robust full-backs who became among the league's best under his guidance. This brings Lewis Hall, even with a new contract, and Spurs' Archie Gray into consideration.
Whether they would join United remains uncertain, but the prospect of working with Pochettino could be an attractive pull. Hall and Gray have years ahead of them and are proven Premier League performers, balanced between attack and defence. Gray also shows emerging leadership qualities.
Centre-Back and Midfield Plans
At centre-back, the Argentina connection could bring Lisandro Martinez back into United's medium-term plans. Pochettino has always enjoyed working with high-potential young players, and Leny Yoro, still only 20, fits that profile.
Central midfield would combine youth and experience, with Youri Tielemans taking the lead and Kobbie Mainoo learning alongside him. A reunion with Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who played his best football under Pochettino, would be an appealing prospect. Palmer would be deployed on the right to make way for a new attacking midfielder replacing Bruno Fernandes.
That role could go to Como's Nico Paz, an Argentina international and the type of promising No10 Pochettino would relish developing. Marcus Rashford would operate on the left flank.
Striker Choice and Kane Reunion Ruled Out
After evaluating Benjamin Sesko and the market, where quality strikers are scarce, Bryan Mbeumo would lead the line for United. The Cameroonian has been playing out of position up front this season yet remains one of the few consistent performers during a difficult spell under Carrick.
Pochettino would ideally reunite with Harry Kane, but that is unrealistic after the England captain signed a new three-year contract with Bayern Munich last week, becoming Europe's highest-paid player by base salary. Mbeumo is the chosen option.
Pochettino's dream Manchester United XI: Lammens; Gray, Martinez, Yoro, Hall; Mainoo, Tielemans; Palmer, Paz, Rashford; Mbeumo.
