Mauricio Pochettino set to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United hours after shock Chelsea exit

Mauricio Pochettino is a leading candidate to become the new Manchester United manager, just hours after he left Chelsea, Soccernet.football reports.

Pochettino, who was considered for the Man United job two years ago, departed Chelsea by mutual consent on Monday after a mixed campaign that saw the Blues finish the Premier League season above the Red Devils.

INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe may now engage in talks with the former Tottenham manager, as Erik ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford remains uncertain, as per the Daily Mail.

The 52-year-old Argentine was a strong contender for the United job in April 2022 while he was at Paris Saint-Germain.

United executives Richard Arnold and John Murtough were impressed by his credentials but ultimately chose Ten Hag for his in-depth knowledge of the club and his vision for its future.

Ten Hag had a successful first season, finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup.

However, this season has been disappointing, with United finishing eighth in the Premier League and exiting the Champions League in the group stage. They still have the FA Cup Final against Manchester City on Saturday, but even a victory may not secure Ten Hag’s job.

Ratcliffe, now a part-owner of United, has not publicly backed Ten Hag, instead criticizing the club’s overall structure.

Pochettino, known for his exciting style of play, remains a popular figure among fans, having previously led Tottenham to the Champions League Final in 2019.