The English press is sure of it. Erik ten Hag is the new manager of Manchester United. A damper for Mauricio Pochettino, his main competitor in the race for the Mancunian bench. For a long time, the Argentine technician was considered the big favorite. With his Premier League experience at Southampton and Tottenham, he enjoyed good popularity with English leaders. In addition, Pochettino was approached by Man U last November to take over from the fired Ole Gunnar Soskjaer.
From priority to plan B
But the residents of Old Trafford had thrown in the towel as it seemed difficult, if not impossible, to poach the Murphy native, who was still under contract and launched into his season at Paris Saint-Germain. And if Ralf Rangnick is appointed to take over, Manchester United had Mauricio Pochettino in mind for next season. But gradually the situation changed. In just five months, the 52-year-old technician of choice went to Plan B in the minds of Mancunian decision-makers.
For the Telegram, who is devoting a lengthy article to the topic this Thursday, explain this for two reasons. The first is that Manchester United have changed CEOs. Ed Woodward, who campaigned for Pochettino for a long time, has been replaced by Richard Arnold. The latter, who consulted complete files of every candidate on the bench before meeting them, was clearly more convinced by Ten Hag. Although the latter is new to the Premier League, Arnold was not deterred at all.
His failures at PSG have MU . cooled down
The second reason given by the Telegram is the terrible elimination of PSG in the Champions League against Real Madrid, after a victory in the first leg. For example, doubts have been raised about his ability to handle the pressure in a very large star club. His punctual failures at the capital club have visibly alarmed Man Utd leaders, who are unwilling to be wrong and who believe that despite his very interesting profile, Pochettino is currently on a downward slope. So many reasons that convinced the English to bet on another foal.
However, Paris Saint-Germain, who saw MU’s approach with a good eye, would not have held back the departure of Pochettino, who should not be kept even after the season. The capital club, which has to pay 20 million euros when the staff are fired, would not have demanded large financial compensation to get rid of the Argentinian. A technician who was very close to Manchester two weeks ago. Which had also put pressure on the Ten Hag clan. Mauricio Pochettino, who was under contract until 2023, doubled in the home game and lost a lot in a few months.
