Mauricio Pochettino’s lunch with Sir Alex Ferguson in May 2016 was seen as a significant endorsement for the Argentinian manager. At the time, Pochettino’s reputation was soaring as he led Tottenham to new heights, while then-Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal was under immense pressure. The meeting between Pochettino and Ferguson was deemed above board by Spurs, as they had full knowledge of the lunch. The pair had developed a mutual respect through their conversations at League Managers Association dinners.
Fast forward to the present, and Manchester United find themselves in a similar situation. Current manager Erik ten Hag is facing scrutiny, much like Van Gaal did back in 2016. It is understood that Ferguson would have preferred Pochettino over Ten Hag when the Argentinian lost out on the United job in April 2022. Pochettino had previously taken training with Ferguson before their lunch in 2016, highlighting the respect and admiration the legendary manager had for him.
However, Pochettino’s managerial journey since then has been a mixed bag. After guiding Tottenham to the Champions League final, he was unexpectedly sacked by the club. He then had a relatively average 18 months with Paris Saint-Germain, winning domestic titles but failing to make a significant impact in Europe. His recent stint with Chelsea ended by mutual consent, despite a string of wins securing a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
Now, Pochettino may hope that his previous association with Ferguson and his time in “Fergie Time” can boost his chances of landing the Manchester United job. The lunch with Ferguson in 2016 served as a testament to Pochettino’s composure and managerial abilities, qualities that Ferguson admired.
In the midst of managerial uncertainties at Manchester United, it is crucial for the club to make the right decisions moving forward. The constant hiring and firing of managers has not yielded the desired results, unlike Chelsea’s approach under Roman Abramovich. Chelsea’s success can be attributed to their focus on improving upon a spine of world-class talent, rather than relying on a group of players who are not on the same level as the top teams in the league.
Manchester United’s new owners, Clearlake Capital, face the daunting task of rebuilding the squad and finding stability. They need to address the underperforming players and make strategic decisions to freshen up the squad. The verdict on several players suggests that some should stay, while others should be let go to free up resources and make room for new signings.
Ultimately, Manchester United must learn from their past mistakes and find a manager who can bring stability, success, and a clear vision for the future. Pochettino’s previous association with Ferguson and his impressive track record make him a strong candidate for the job. However, it remains to be seen whether he will get the opportunity to lead the Red Devils and fulfill the endorsement he received from one of the greatest managers in football history.