Mauricio Pochettino felt he was 'destined' to manage Man Utd with potential move on cards after Chelsea exit
sports roundup Tues 21st May
Mauricio Pochettino once felt he was 'destined' to manage Manchester United and a move to Old Trafford may happen in the wake of his departure from Chelsea, reports say.
The Argentine guided the Blues to sixth in the Premier League table, despite a turbulent campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Yet Chelsea confirmed Pochettino would be leaving by mutual consent on Tuesday, with a statement reading: "Chelsea FC can confirm that the Club and Mauricio Pochettino have mutually agreed to part ways."
It remains to be seen where the 52-year-old ends up.
Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea by mutual consent after just one year at Stamford Bridge
PA
According to the Telegraph, however, a move to Manchester United is potentially on the cards.
Erik ten Hag has overseen a dismal campaign with the Red Devils finishing eighth in the Premier League table.
The Dutchman could yet guide United to FA Cup glory on Saturday, with the fallen giants set to lock horns with Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.
But Ten Hag is fighting to keep his job and, regardless of whether he wins another trophy or not, could be axed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Pochettino, it's claimed, once felt he was 'destined' to manage United.
He is said to have a 'genuine' friendship with Sir Alex Ferguson, who left Old Trafford back in 2013.
United eyed Pochettino in 2016 when he was manager of Tottenham.
However, they ultimately went for Jose Mourinho on that occasion with the Portuguese available following his own departure from Chelsea the previous year.
United interviewed Pochettino two years ago when they were hunting a permanent replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He met with John Murtough but the Red Devils went for Ten Hag due to his blueprint for success for the future.
Pochettino could also be eyed by Bayern Munich, who are looking for replacements for Thomas Tuchel despite talk he could potentially stay.
Yet he might prefer to stay in the Premier League, having managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea during his career.
It'll also be intriguing to see who Chelsea name as his replacement.
Kieran McKenna is one option, with the former United coach impressing during his time at Ipswich.
He guided the club to the Championship 12 months ago and has since steered Ipswich to promotion to the Premier League.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Mauricio Pochettino has a 'genuine' friendship with Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson
PA
Roberto De Zerbi is another potential option due to his impressive work at Brighton.
Yet the west London titans have ruled out a sensational return for Mourinho, who is on the market following his departure from Roma earlier in the year.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has criticised Chelsea for parting ways with Pochettino - branding the decision 'madness'.
"Just hearing the news about Pochettino, cannot believe he’s gone. Cannot believe it," he said in a video on Instagram.
"Whoever is making this decision… how are you going to replace a manager like him?
Mauricio Pochettino could replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd in the wake of his departure from Chelsea
PA
"Just got team going, went on a great run, got into Europe.
"He got them to sixth in the league from where they were and he’s just got this team playing.
"It’s madness. I cannot, cannot, cannot believe what I’m hearing."