The Special One, 55, is now the bookies' favourite to be the next Premier League sacking victim.
Amidst all the speculation over who would replace Mourinho at Old Trafford, one name keeps popping up: Mauricio Pochettino.
The Tottenham boss has been a target for United for years – with Real Madrid also intrigued.
Now United are preparing to make their official move, having been told it will cost £40million to land Pochettino.
But, there's certainly plenty of signs to suggest Poch could be the perfect man to take over the reins at Old Trafford.
After all, United have a squad full of attacking, young players – two of Poch's strongest areas.
Using his nous for developing youth and setting up his team in a non-Jose way – plus a few Spurs buys – here's how United could look under Poch.
GOALKEEPER
David De Gea
DESPITE having his one-year contract extension triggered, De Gea's future still looks uncertain.
United chiefs opted to extend his stay at Old Trafford in the hope he may change his mind and stay – as well as ensure clubs can't snap him up for free.
Under new leadership, De Gea could easily be talked into staying – especially with partner Edurne keen to stay in Manchester.
DEFENCE
Diogo Dalot, Eric Bailly, Toby Alderweireld, Luke Shaw
FOR years United have toyed with a borderline-offensive back-four made of makeshift wingers and in recent cases even out-and-out midfielders.
However, in Dalot – now back from injury – United appear to have a real gem of a full-back, with Mourinho saying even Gary Neville would be proud.
That combined with a resurgent Shaw gives two quality full-backs – both with superb, long-term potential.
Alderweireld has been keen on a culture change for a while too, but despite not playing so much now is still a favourite of Pochettino's.
Should the Belgian be given a new lease of life in a fresh start, he could be the answer to United's centre-back woes.
Alderweireld would work well alongside Bailly – when fully fit – in what would look like a very strong back-four.
MIDFIELD
Fred, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard
MOURINHO recently claimed Fred is only being benched lately as he can't trust his defence to make up for his dynamic, forward-thinking approach.
In a Pochettino-led team, the Brazilian would be the perfect link between defence and attack with his box-to-box style.
Fred, combined with the attack-minded Pogba and Lingard, would be a very dangerous midfield – but certainly a risk Poch would consider.
The likes of Matic and Fellaini on the bench would allow them to shore things up if needed, too…
FORWARDS
Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Anthony Martial
IT'S no secret Lukaku has been a big-money flop at Old Trafford. But you know who isn't a flop… Kane.
It would be a big ask for Daniel Levy to part with his star striker, but Pochettino is the main reason Kane is the player he is now.
The England star would certainly consider following the Argentine chief to Old Trafford if Ed Woodward gave him control of the chequebook.
Meanwhile, a tandem of Martial and Rashford flanking him has the potential to be devastating.
It's no secret the pair aren't in the mould of a Mourinho team – but they certainly are Pochettino players.
Source: Read Full Article