This has seemed happening for some time, and even more now, after back-to-back defeats for Manchester United against Arsenal and Istanbul Basaksehir – Mauricio Pochettino looks to be back in the frame to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Solskjaer always looked a bit of a risky appointment and faltered at serious moments in the season before backing them up with wins so as not to get sacked, and despite some good work during his time at Old Trafford, there simply hasn’t been enough progress for a club with this level of expectation. After a string of poor managerial appointments since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, will Pochettino really be any different?
Here’s four reasons we think so…
Defensive Abilities:
Manchester United have been all over the place in this season, when it comes to the defense despite spending big on the likes of Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in recent seasons, with clearly talented players underperforming like Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Luke Shaw. They also conceded 6 against Tottenham and in the recent match against Istanbul Basaksehir, saw the defense open up completely against Demba Ba and it’s clear that something needs to change.
At Spurs he did the same with Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, who were playing before him but not at the high level they later did. They completed with the best defensive record in 2016/17 and the joint winners the season before that. Tottenham were still able to play attractive football and the current team of United should suffice with that.
Improving Young Players:
One of the best things that Pochettino did was make young talented players step up and improve their game. Some of his best Spurs sides were, at the time, pretty young, with the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Son Heung-min performing at a very high standard before what most would call their ‘peak’ years.
With United booming around young players with Mason Greenwood leading the line as a prime example, but also Axel Tuanzebe, Brandon Williams plus the likes of James Garner and Tahith Chong who are out on loan, the future can be shaped along the lines of being a Champion’s League contending side.
Not being totally dependent on the Transfer Market:
Another thing a great manager is known for is not being overly dependent on the transfer market. Managers should be able to get the work done from what is available with him and get the best out of them and that shows the level of a manager.
It’s the same with Pochettino who never relied much on the transfer market and he would really be able to do much without new big names being added to the sheet every season.
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An Elite coach in his prime time:
United have had a flurry of head coaches in the post-Ferguson era and none have been any good in the long run. David Moyes, did a good job with the Everton side, which earned him a hand in United, but was unable to handle the immense pressure that United brought with it.
Louis Van Gaan, unlike Moyes, was past his prime and had done his best work with Barcelona, many moons ago and had had a tumultuous time even after being sacked by Ed Woodward and Co.
The Special One, Jose Mourinho- the one with a recent record also couldn’t do much with the team he had been provided. He did bring European Silverware, but at the cost of causing problems within the squad, which resulted in him being sacked as well. Also, he had lost his aura which he carried around during his time with Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Why would Pochettino be any different?
As simple as the fact that he still has a lot left in him and was simply one of the best when he left Spurs. Expectations are much higher in United than the Spurs and he being one of the prime fabrics should be easily able to handle.
