The Irish Mail on Sunday

Pochettino has capacity to spur United

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TWO questions over Tottenham. Can they win the Premier League? Can they keep hold of Mauricio Pochettino? Yes and, hmm, not so sure. They are certainly in a great position to take the Premier League crown in this strange season.

And that is down to their manager who continues to impress after a sound Premier League apprentice­ship at Southampto­n.

Their chances of challengin­g for top spot is largely reliant on the fitness and continued form of Harry Kane, who is a truly outstandin­g player, as his manager identified.

A top quality addition this month makes total sense to lighten the load on his shoulders and would give Pochettino exciting options.

The Argentine inherited some expensive signings after the sale of Gareth Bale.

And he gave Roberto Soldado his chance but when the Spaniard proved he wasn’t up to it, turned to Kane, having been patient with him when ignoring the calls to start him immediatel­y after scoring early goals in Europe.

I don’t know much about his man-management style, but his teams press and work and play good football.

He’s obviously a traininggr­ound manager and he can see a good player, work with him and make him better. He recognises players’ strengths and his style of football is suited to the Premier League. I see no reason why he can’t win it.

His next job has to be with the top four in England or, maybe, a club like Real Madrid.

But as the next Manchester United manager? Why not?

It seems Jose Mourinho is the most obvious choice, once Louis van Gaal eventually falls on his sword.

But if he doesn’t fancy it, Pochettino would be a worthy candidate.

There’s similariti­es with the David Moyes appointmen­t, but I think the club have moved on from that period, which was always difficult as Alex Ferguson’s successor.

Mauricio Pochettino would suit Manchester United and he might soon have all the tools to prove it at Tottenham in the meantime.

 ??  ?? THe NeW ONe: Mauricio Pochettino
THe NeW ONe: Mauricio Pochettino

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