Mauricio Pochettino, expected to be unveiled as Manchester United's next manager, will reportedly "like" seven current players, including Marcus Rashford. The 54-year-old, who manages the United States national team, is set to replace Michael Carrick, who was sacked after a meeting with club CEO Omar Berrada at United's Carrington training base.
Seven players earmarked for Pochettino's plans
United currently sit 18th in the Premier League, with performances criticised for lacking intensity and desire after shipping 15 goals in Carrick's final five matches in charge. According to the Telegraph, a source close to Pochettino believes seven stars will relish working with him, including Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Carlos Baleba, Amad Diallo, Patrick Dorgu and Luke Shaw.
Pochettino knows Shaw well from his time managing Southampton. Goal-scoring attacking midfielders like Fernandes have often thrived under him, with players such as Cole Palmer and Dele Alli enjoying their best goal-scoring seasons under his management.
Pochettino's admiration for Rashford
The source told the Telegraph: "Mauricio has always loved Rashford. He will put an arm around him and give him that same kind of love he showed to Dele Alli [at Spurs]. Then it's up to Rashford." Pochettino has publicly expressed his admiration for the England international before, saying at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar: "I've always liked him. I knew of his process because I was in England, but I think he's a great player. He just needs the confidence and for himself to believe, to put him at the top level. The quality is there for him."
Rashford has been sidelined with a groin and hip injury this season and has not featured since the 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid at the start of last month. United are optimistic he will be fit for Pochettino's first match in charge, which will be against Liverpool after the international break.
Fernandes's past connection with Pochettino
Fernandes has also claimed Pochettino wanted to bring him to Tottenham in 2019, telling the Athletic: "The [Tottenham] manager, Mauricio Pochettino, was the one who wanted me there. It was a good offer but Sporting tried their best to keep me. The president spoke with me, but he spoke with me on the wrong day. It was the day after they decided to refuse the offer from Tottenham and I was really angry."
