Mauricio Pochettino has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to become Manchester United manager, replacing the sacked Michael Carrick. His immediate task is to guide a squad currently 18th in the Premier League, with just one win from 10 games, away from the relegation zone.
Beyond survival, a sweeping rebuild is planned, with several high-profile players expected to leave Old Trafford and new signings targeted.
Defensive Overhaul Planned
A defensive clear-out is considered overdue. Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot are all tipped to leave, while Lisandro Martinez could depart when his contract expires this summer unless his attitude changes under his compatriot. Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt are not seen as long-term solutions.
At right-back, Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente is suggested as an astute addition, being out of contract in the summer. The 31-year-old has retired from international football, which could prolong his club career, and he can also operate in midfield. A younger option is United States defender Alex Freeman, 22, who Pochettino knows from international duty.
For left-back, Fulham's Antonee Robinson is highlighted as a quality option, ranking among the Premier League's top full-backs in tackles and interceptions and rarely missing games through injury. He has previously played under Pochettino for the US.
In central defence, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, Brentford's Nathan Collins and Fulham's Calvin Bassey have been linked with United. Youngsters Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven would remain as back-up options. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens deserves more time to prove himself despite recent unconvincing form.
Midfield and Attack Targets
Conor Gallagher, who played some of his best football under Pochettino at Chelsea, is tipped for a reunion. Pochettino once said of him: "I think he is a player with a great commitment to the team. It's priceless to have a player like him." Gallagher could partner Kobbie Mainoo in midfield. Youri Tielemans could retain a role, while Andrey Santos is described as looking like an expensive mistake.
In attack, Crysencio Summerville, who was linked with United in the summer before joining Al-Hilal, is seen as an ideal fit for Pochettino's revolution. Cole Palmer, who called Pochettino a "top manager and a top person" and is a childhood United supporter, could replace Bruno Fernandes as playmaker. Chelsea's track record of selling talent means a deal cannot be ruled out.
Kane Reunion and Departures
Harry Kane, who recently signed a new deal with Bayern Munich, could be tempted back to the Premier League by Pochettino following their successful five-year partnership at Tottenham. A more realistic option is Monaco's US striker Folarin Balogun, who almost joined Everton in the summer.
Existing players Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Amad are expected to stay, but Benjamin Sesko's United future is in doubt, and it is suggested Marcus Rashford should sever ties with the club.
The dream XI under Pochettino is: Lammens; Llorente, Branthwaite, Collins, Robinson; Mainoo, Gallagher; Cunha, Palmer, Summerville; Kane.
