Mauricio Pochettino Advised to Steer Clear of ‘Dysfunctional’ Manchester United Amid Transfer Rumors Following Chelsea Exit

Mauricio Pochettino‘s time at Chelsea ended in the blink of an eye. Despite having arrived at Stamford Bridge just a year ago, the Argentinian tactician mutually parted ways with the Blues. But even before the dust started to settle, the rumor mill has tempted Pochettino to consider the Manchester United job—a decision which the former PSG boss has been advised to decline, as it is a position that many are ‘afraid to touch.’

This set of instructions came in the ESPN UK newsroom among the panel of James Olley, Shaka Hislop, Craig Burley, and Dan Thomas. While Olley backed Poch to go ahead with the Red Devils’ job, Hislop disagreed saying, “If I am Pochettino, right now, I sit and wait to see what else comes up.” Although others in the panel questioned what better option awaits the former Spurs’ boss, Hislop underlined the dark side of taking the United role. 

“There’s just such dysfunction at those big clubs, why do you go back into that straight away?” The former goalkeeper further reminded Pochettino’s back-to-back unsuccessful stints with PSG and Chelsea. Even though he praised United’s stability under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, it won’t suit Poch for now. “I just feel it’s a job that as you see people are afraid to touch,” concluded Hislop. 

It appears the ESPN pundit doesn’t want Pochettino to hastily accept a job, even at Old Trafford. Hislop advises the 52-year-old to take a step back and analyze what’s best for him. Notably, Pochettino is the 6th manager to depart after Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Salter, and Frank Lampard since Tod Boehly took the ownership. But even though the decision stood mutual, what actually triggered the Argentinian boss to take this decision? 

Diving deeper to understand what went wrong for Mauricio Pochettino

It was indeed a lackluster year for Chelsea, with the Blues finishing sixth in the Premier League table and losing the EFL Cup final to Liverpool. While poor domestic performance throughout the season contributed to Mauricio’s dismissal, the club’s management shares part of the blame. According to the Telegraph, although there were no disagreements over transfers, there were simply ‘differences‘ regarding the club’s structure. 

One example is Chelsea’s plan to establish a new set-piece department, which Pochettino opposed but will now proceed with following his departure. Both parties agreed that parting ways at the end of the campaign on amicable terms was the best course of action, rather than risking a mid-season change next season. It remains to be seen who Chelsea brings in as his replacement. 

As for Mauricio Pochettino, he can flirt with other clubs but has been advised to stay cautious when it comes to Manchester United.