idol
Mauricio Pochettino ‘hero worshipping’ Sir Alex Ferguson explains why Paris Saint-Germain boss may be ready to jump ship and replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United
talkSPORT understands Sir Alex Ferguson is pressing for Mauricio Pochettino to become Manchester United’s next manager, and it’s no surprise given the pair’s relationship.
Ferguson only faced Pochettino once in the dugout, but that hasn’t stopped them from meeting and staying in contact behind the scenes.
7
7
United took a 2-1 win over Pochettino’s Southampton back in 2013, and Ferguson made .
“I have to say, Southampton in the second-half were the best team that’s played here this season,” Ferguson said after the Old Trafford clash.
“They played exceptionally well and I think we were a bit fortunate to win the game.”
Ferguson would retire with a final league title at the end of that season, while Pochettino would go on to manage Tottenham, but the Argentine had to wait before they crossed paths again.
7
That time came at a lunch in May 2016, with Ferguson’s profound impact on Pochettino making it clear why the former Spurs boss may be keen to leave Paris Saint-Germain early and replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.
The Argentine spoke glowingly about the revered coach following their meal together.
He even revealed one of his old Spurs colleagues remarked that he looked 'in a trance' when talking to Ferguson, admitting he was blown away by the Scot's 'aura'.
“I’ll always remember each and every detail from those hours of conversation,” .
“It was a dream come true. I felt like a teenage footballer all over again, listening to a knowledgeable coach.
“I sent the photos that we took of us together to everyone. John McDermott [Tottenham's former head of player development] commented that I seemed to be in a trance. He called me a ‘hero worshipper’.
7
“I knew many details from Ferguson’s career and admired him for the way that he turned United into a successful team, while creating something different in world football.
“But when I met him, what impressed me most was not so much the CV, but his energy and aura.
"His character, his charisma engulfs you. I’d love to keep calling on his advice.”
Pochettino revealed the pair still keep in contact via text message, and it wouldn’t be a huge shock if they’re currently discussing the job at United.
Previous manager Solskjaer was sacked as United boss following a humiliating 4-1 loss to Watford, ending his near three-year tenure at the club trophyless.
7
United have been a shadow of their former selves since Ferguson left in 2013, failing to find any form of consistency under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.
talkSPORT has even been told that Cristiano Ronaldo has been left 'flabbergasted' by the drop in standards at the club, compared to the Manchester United he left in 2009.
It now appears that Ferguson believes Pochettino could be the man to finally stabilise the club, with the former Spurs boss identifying the similarities between their management styles and careers.
“[Ferguson] spoke to me about how he had to restructure everything when he arrived at United,” Pochettino said.
“He did so in keeping with his own philosophy, even though they finished 11th two years out of three, followed by 13th, sixth, second and only after that did he achieve league success.
7
“His Manchester United side were like the Tottenham team that I inherited when I took over, and the chat reassured me about following my own path.
“Why aren’t there more Fergusons? Because football is like an express train without any stops.
“It’s almost impossible to find someone in charge who is willing to be involved in taking unpopular measures.
“Sir Alex always says, ‘Many times you have to make decisions that screw you over emotionally, that won’t be understood and you won’t be able to explain.’ I agree.
7
“Managers live in a perpetual state of solitude, even when surrounded by people at all hours.”
Read More on talkSPORT
PSG conducted one of the most blockbuster summer transfer windows seen earlier this year when they signed Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Gini Wijnaldum, Gigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes.
But when you hear the way Pochettino talks about Ferguson, and the similarities between their careers, it becomes clear why he may be tempted to jump ship for the allure of Old Trafford.
Get The EDGE
talkSPORT EDGE is the free football app that keeps you one step ahead of your mates with short, sharp and shareable content.
Stay up to date with everything going on in the football world with breaking news, live scores and in-app betting.
How can I get it?
It’s available on iPhone and Android devices.
For iPhone, download talkSPORT EDGE via the
For Android, download talkSPORT EDGE via the
Topics