Report: Manchester United are in talks with Mauricio Pochettino as a viable alternative to Mourinho

It looks like Jose Mourinho has competition.

The football world may be collectively assuming that the infamous Portuguese is definitely taking over as manager of Manchester United at the end of the season, but it seems it is far from a one-horse race.

Many speculated that Mourinho’s chances of replacing Louis van Gaal in the Old Trafford hotseat were boosted somewhat ironically by the appointment of old foe Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

The assumption being that the former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach is the only viable Pep deterrent – the Anti-Guardiola if you will. But according to the Sun’s sources, it’s far from set in stone.

Doubts remain about Mourinho’s truculent behaviour and lack of long-term planning, and that’s where the name of Mauricio Pochettino comes into play. Apparently he is seen as the builder – the sustainability candidate.

At both Southampton and Spurs, the fresh-faced Argentine has earned a reputation for cultivating sides carefully, developing homegrown players, and combining both youth and star names to maximum effect – all whilst playing expansive, attacking football

These attributes are of course highly desirable to the Man United hierarchy, and although the 43-year-old is lacking in major honours in contrast to Mourinho’s impressive haul, he is seen as the longer-term option.

The Sun report that United are in talks with representatives of both managers, and that Pochettino is perceived as “a man who can lead them long-term and deliver trophies as well as good football.”

Whether Spurs would be willing to let their man go to Old Trafford is another matter entirely.

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