Inside Mauricio Pochettino’s lunch with Sir Alex Ferguson as ex-Chelsea boss linked with sensational Man Utd switch
MAURICIO POCHETTINO can dine out on the ultimate Old Trafford endorsement – amid new links to the Manchester United job.
The ousted Chelsea chief lunched with Sir Alex Ferguson in London after a glowing tribute from the legendary ex-United manager.
That meet-up in May 2016 raised eyebrows – as Pochettino’s reputation was at its high point midway through his five-year stint at Tottenham.
Not only that, the Red Devils‘ then boss, Louis van Gaal, was under pressure – approaching, as it turned out, the end of a troubled two-year reign.
But Spurs stressed they had no issues with Poch getting together with Fergie – because it was, so to speak, all above board.
At the time, Tottenham told Sky Sports News they were fully aware the meal would take place.
Pochettino and assistant boss Jesus Perez were pictured smiling and looking relaxed as they met Ferguson.
And in many ways it was a similar scenario for the Red Devils as now.
Back then, Van Gaal was struggling at Old Trafford – just like fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag appears to be now.
Meanwhile, Fergie had a long-running mutual respect for Pochettino, nurtured by their conversations at League Managers Association dinners.
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It’s also understood the Scot would have preferred Poch when the Argentinian lost out to Ten Tag for the United role in April 2022.
Eight years ago, Poch took training before dining with Ferguson at Scott’s restaurant in Mayfair and returning to Spurs in the afternoon.
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Just two months before the get-together, Fergie said of the Argentinian: “The manager has been fantastic.
“They have a bad record of managers, there is no doubt about that. They have had so many over the years.
“But this lad has composure. You never see him ruffled and the way his team play is a testimony to the work he is doing.”
However, just months after Pochettino guided Tottenham to the Champions League final, club supremo Daniel Levy axed him.
After that, he had a so-so 18 months in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, albeit still winning Ligue 1 and the French Cup once apiece.
And his 11 months with Chelsea ended by mutual consent on Tuesday, despite five straight wins securing sixth spot in the Premier League.
Now Poch might hope a look back at his own Fergie Time from 2016 can raise his chances of a switch to the Theatre of Dreams.
SunSport's verdict on Man Utd flops
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd's squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
Victor Lindelof – GO: Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season.
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