Mauricio Pochettino’s decade-long pursuit of the Manchester United job

Manchester United’s interest in Mauricio Pochettino dates back to May 2016, when he met Sir Alex Ferguson for lunch in London. At the time, Ferguson supported a plan to appoint the Tottenham Hotspur manager, who was then leading a title challenge. United co-owner Avram Glazer later favored a more decorated candidate, leading to the hiring of Jose Mourinho.

Pochettino remained on United’s shortlist over the years. He was linked to the vacancy after Mourinho’s dismissal in 2018, but a new contract with Tottenham that removed any exit clause kept him at the club. When he was sacked by Spurs in November 2019, United again explored his availability, though Ole Gunnar Solskjær was already in charge.

In May 2022, while head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, Pochettino became one of two final candidates for the United job after Ralf Rangnick’s interim spell. He interviewed with chief executive Richard Arnold, football director John Murtough and Joel Glazer, but the club ultimately appointed Erik ten Hag, whose recent success with Ajax appealed to supporters.

Pochettino returned to United’s radar after the 2024 FA Cup final, when ten Hag’s position was uncertain. He was considered alongside Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi, but did not advance to the final interview round. Subsequent speculation resurfaced in autumn 2024 as United evaluated potential successors, with Pochettino praised for his experience, youth development focus and playing style, though his lack of major trophies was noted.

After a brief stint with the United States men’s national team and a short spell at Chelsea, Pochettino is again viewed as a viable option for the Old Trafford job, having built a reputation for fostering club culture and player cohesion.