Man Utd brief media, as sources declare serious Pochettino contender

Manchester United would consider at least one alternative big-name appointment to Mauricio Pochettino if they change tact and sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, claims a report.

ESPN say that sources insist United are not yet looking for a replacement for the under-pressure Norwegian.

The Manchester Evening News claimed on Thursday that United officials had made contact with Pochettino’s representatives over replacing Solskjaer.

That appears to wide of the mark, with ESPN suggesting Unted remain fully behind the man who replaced Jose Mourinho.

Back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Istanbul Basaksehir have plunged the club into turmoil and a defeat to Everton this weekend will really pile the pressure on Solskjaer.

Pochettino is waiting in the wings, and not so quietly either after appearing on Sky’ Monday Night Football.

“I am looking forward to be involved in the game, I love the game,” Pochettino said.

“We are inside, working, but it’s not the same as being involved every day. Working with your staff, working with players – always you miss that, that’s the reality.”

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Media briefed by Woodward

However, ESPN claim that the Argentinian would not be the only option to replace Solskjaer if the United boss can not turn around their form.

Pochettino, who was sacked at Tottenham a year ago, is the obvious choice. However, sources have informed ESPN that RB Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann would also come under consideration.

That does seem strange after Solskkaer’s side hammered Nagelsmann’s German side 5-0 last month. But the 33-year-old coach is highly regarded in Europe and seemingly on United’s radar.

United have once again briefed the big outlets and insisted that Solskjaer retains the support of Manchester United.

Sky Sports News report Solskjaer “is still seen as a long-term appointment”. While The Athletic insist Ole will not be sacked even if United lose at Goodison Park this weekend.

Just how long that support will remain is the big question. It’s understood Ed Woodward is reluctant to pull the trigger mid-season, but more bad results may well force his hand.