The chance of Mauricio Pochettino becoming Man United manager may be scuppered by a critical dispute.
Ajax boss Erik ten Hag is the frontrunner for the Old Trafford job and had an interview with United earlier this week.
Despite this, ten Hag is reportedly part of a five-man shortlist to succeed Ralf Rangnick. Spanish pair Julen Lopetegui and former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique are on the shortlist. Also included on United’s wish list is Thomas Tuchel, although the Chelsea boss is a long shot.
Finally, Mauricio Pochettino is still in the running too. The Argentine has some support in his pursuit of the Man United job.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville stated that Pochettino was his preference for the role. The former United captain has previously expressed his liking of Pochettino, believing that he is a good ‘fit’ for Old Trafford.
This support comes despite a challenging season at Paris Saint-Germain for the former Spurs boss.
Mauricio Pochettino struggles at PSG
The Parisian side are cruising Ligue 1. They currently hold a dominating 12-point lead over second-placed Marseille with nine matches remaining. However, the season has been far from plain sailing in the French capital.
PSG’s unbelievable summer transfer window gave Pochettino a superstar squad for this season. They signed Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, Gini Wijnaldum, and Gianluigi Donnarumma. PSG had a clear plan by making these moves – Champions League glory.
Unfortunately for the French giants, their assault on Europe’s premier competition ended in an embarrassing collapse against Real Madrid. Pochettino came under intense scrutiny over his ability to motivate an all-star squad to work together.
In addition, Pochettino has had further issues due to players performing poorly. Most of the summer signings, except for Hakimi, have struggled to make an impact in Paris. For instance, Messi has had a poor season by his superhuman standards, and injuries have heavily affected Ramos.
Despite his struggles in the French capital, Man United are undeterred and intend to interview the Argentine.
The key issue preventing Man United approach for Mauricio Pochettino
If United want to interview Pochettino, they would need PSG’s permission. However, United’s evident pursuit of the Argentine has caused a potential problem.
The Parisians may sack Pochettino at the end of the season. But, this would cost them about €15 million. PSG do not want to pay this if they don’t have to – and United may give them the chance to avoid it.
If PSG keep Pochettino until Man United want to make him manager, then the English side would need to pay PSG compensation. This compensation fee could be around the £8 million mark – a fee that United would be reluctant to pay. According to ESPN, PSG would prefer to wait it out and force United to pay them.
As a result, Mauricio Pochettino is in an unfortunate limbo between Man United and PSG. One team wants him but doesn’t want to pay, and the other doesn’t want him but doesn’t want to pay to get rid of him.
This dispute may prevent the former Spurs manager from taking over at Old Trafford.
Featured image credit: Getty
