Romano 'CONFIRMS' fact that opens door for Pochettino to Man Utd

Robin Bairner

• 22 May 2024 08:22 BST
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has spoken out about the prospect of Mauricio Pochettino taking charge of Manchester United after leaving Chelsea.

It was announced on Tuesday that Pochettino will leave the Stamford Bridge club by mutual consent, potentially putting him in the frame to take over at Old Trafford.

Man Utd will play Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, but the future of manager Erik ten Hag hangs in the balance after the Red Devils finished a disappointing eighth in the Premier League.

READ MORE: Why did Chelsea sack Mauricio Pochettino?

While numerous candidates have been touted as possible replacements for the Dutchman, Pochettino is arguably the most credible name on the market, particularly given he was a manager previously linked with the Old Trafford club.

Romano, though, says that no contact has taken place for now.

“As for Pochettino, he is open for a new chapter and he feels absolutely ready for any opportunity,” Romano claims on the Daily Briefing.

“Despite reports of Pochettino being appreciated by some key figures at INEOS, there is nothing to say on Manchester United now for Pochettino, but in general the Erik ten Hag situation remains absolutely open and he’s not sure of staying at the club, I can confirm that.”

READ MORE: Mourinho back in the Champions League? Major clubs want ex-Man Utd and Chelsea boss

New worry for Ten Hag

Ten Hag’s future at Man Utd is not guaranteed, but one of the reasons that has been cited for him potentially remaining at the club for another year has been a lack of credible alternative.

Pochettino provides this, having taken charge of major clubs such as Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea in the recent past, all of which have been more successful during this time than United.

He was also seen as unlucky to be sacked by PSG while the decision of Chelsea to terminate his contract one year early also came as a significant surprise after a strong end to the Premier League season.

Ten Hag has every reason to be worried.