Sir Alex Ferguson has previously shared his positive views on Mauricio Pochettino, who is now being linked with the managerial position at Manchester United. Pochettino’s recent departure from Chelsea by mutual consent after a season-ending review has sparked rumors of him replacing Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Pochettino left Chelsea despite a strong finish, losing only once in his last 15 Premier League matches. With Manchester United’s season ending in disappointment and Sir Jim Ratcliffe making significant changes at the club, speculation about Pochettino stepping in has gained momentum.
Ferguson’s endorsement is crucial for any potential manager at United, and Pochettino has already received praise from the legendary coach. Back in April 2016, when Pochettino was managing Tottenham, Ferguson commended him, saying, “The manager has been fantastic. They have had many managers over the years, but this lad has composure. You never see him ruffled, and the way his team plays is a testimony to his work.”
Ferguson particularly appreciated Pochettino’s focus on developing young English talent, mentioning players like Dele Alli, Harry Kane, and Eric Dier. This admiration wasn’t fleeting; a year earlier, Tottenham MP David Lammy recalled Ferguson calling Pochettino the best manager in the Premier League.
Pochettino’s connection to United isn’t new. In 2016, he was seen leaving a lunch with Ferguson, an experience he described as a dream come true. “When I started my career as a manager, he was always my inspiration,” Pochettino said. “Spending two hours with the greatest manager in football history was fantastic.”
Manchester United’s current season has been their worst since Ferguson retired in 2013, though they still have a chance for redemption in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. As the club faces potential managerial changes, Ferguson’s earlier endorsement of Pochettino adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing speculation.