Chelsea fans were rocked by the abrupt departure of Mauricio Pochettino, who is now being heavily tipped to take over as the next manager of Manchester United.
Pochettino’s exit from Chelsea, announced on Tuesday, was described as a mutual decision after just one season in charge.
Despite facing significant challenges, such as managing a young and inexperienced squad during a rebuilding phase, Pochettino managed to lead Chelsea to a positive end to the season, winning their final five league games and securing a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
However, discussions with Chelsea’s management led to Pochettino’s decision to step down.
His departure has not tarnished his reputation, as he is already being considered for other high-profile managerial roles.
At Manchester United, current manager Erik ten Hag is facing intense scrutiny following a disappointing season that saw the team finish eighth in the Premier League and fail to progress beyond the Champions League group stage.
Despite an upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City, Ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford is under threat.
Pochettino has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Ten Hag should he be sacked.
According to Betfair, Pochettino leads the pack with odds of 2/1, although there are other contenders for the Manchester United job.
The list of potential candidates for the next Manchester United manager includes Thomas Tuchel (5/1), Roberto De Zerbi (11/2), Gareth Southgate (7/1), Graham Potter (8/1), Kieran McKenna (10/1), Thomas Frank (12/1), Ruben Amorim (14/1), Zinedine Zidane (16/1), Ange Postecoglou (20/1), Hansi Flick (20/1), Gary O’Neil (25/1), Francesco Farioli (25/1), Luis Enrique (25/1), and Xavi Hernandez (25/1).
Thomas Tuchel, who recently departed Bayern Munich, is the second favorite with odds of 5/1.
Roberto De Zerbi, who left Brighton, is also in contention with odds of 11/2, making him the third favorite for the position.
In addition to these leading candidates, other notable names being considered include Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, and former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane.
Pochettino’s availability and track record make him a significant figure in discussions about Manchester United’s managerial future, particularly given Erik ten Hag’s uncertain position.
With the season ending and potential major changes looming, speculation about Pochettino’s next move is intensifying.
His proven ability to manage top-tier teams and navigate challenging transitions makes him an attractive option for Manchester United as they aim to regain their status in English and European football.
In the coming weeks, the club’s hierarchy will evaluate their options and prepare for what could be a crucial summer in shaping the team’s future direction.