Alex Ferguson has already endorsed Mauricio Pochettino as Man United manager – a decade on from private meeting

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading contender to become the next Manchester United manager, with the club reportedly set to dismiss Michael Carrick following a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign. The potential appointment aligns with long-standing praise from legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who previously endorsed the Argentine tactician following a private lunch meeting between the pair a decade earlier in May 2016.

Pochettino currently manages the United States national team, though talkSPORT reports his contract includes a release clause worth approximately £7 million. Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann had also been strongly linked to the impending vacancy at Old Trafford.