Pochettino still the obvious choice for Old Trafford dugout
THE pressure increased on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Manchester United’s dismal performance in Wednesday’s defeat by Burnley.
The result leaves United six points off the top four and, with Marcus Rashford out injured for the foreseeable future, reversing this downward trend will prove even more difficult.
After the FA Cup this weekend, United face the daunting task of overturning a 3-1 deficit at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, before tackling Wolves and Chelsea in the Premier League.
Should United make the change imminently, here are the top 10 candidates ranked in terms of most likely to succeed the Norwegian at Old Trafford.
Mauricio Pochettino
The ideal option, free and available, with the highest upside of any candidate who could realistically join.
Pochettino would surely find the job appealing and could replicate his success with young players as United’s academy begins to contribute world class talent to the first team once again.
Massimiliano Allegri
Refreshed after leaving Juventus. A tried and tested option with great experience and proven to work in a structure preventing him from complete control over transfers.
Would be expensive but could instantly command the respect of the squad.
Michael Carrick
In the current set-up with the most upside to develop into a manager.
A great playing career and the sort of player whose imagination might translate well to coaching and seeing the game differently.
Nicky Butt
Working with United’s academy and helping build a conveyor belt to the first team.
Butt could at least help the next man by providing further options for next season with more youngsters handed experience.
Mike Phelan
Experienced club man currently at Solskjaer’s side, could feasibly step in as a caretaker until the end of the season.
Laurent Blanc
Out of work since 2016, but with connections from his playing days to Old Trafford.
An experienced coach who could command respect.
Ralf Rangnick
Capable of transforming the structure at United after his time with Leipzig. Is thought to be especially keen on the United job.
Nuno Espirito Santo
Overseeing an excellent job at Wolves, tactically sound and his connection with super agent Jorge Mendes could benefit United greatly given the frosty relationship with one of the game’s other influential figures, Mino Raiola.
Phil Neville
Former United player who has built himself a decent reputation with England Women.
After experience with his brother Gary at Valencia as a No.2, Neville may be tempted to return to Old Trafford.
Julian Nagelsmann
One of the game’s brightest young coaches now sprinkling his magic at Leipzig.
Would take an enormous offer to convince both him and his club to part company.
THE NEXT 10 CANDIDATES: Gareth Southgate, Erik ten Hag, Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique, Joachim Low, Zinedine Zidane, Antonio Conte, Diego Simeone, Brendan Rodgers, Marco Rose.