Solskjaer’s position is in jeopardy following a lacklustre start to the season.
Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Mauricio Pochettino over the managerial job as they are looking to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who saw his side crumbled to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League. Pochettino has been in the lookout for a managerial job since he parted ways with Tottenham Hotspurs.
The Argentine manager has been previously linked with a move to Old Trafford and had reportedly expressed his desire in managing United.
While speaking on Sky Sports recently, Pochettino said he is ready to make a return to the management.
The former Espanyol manager said,
“I was always ready to be involved in the game again. I love football. It’s my passion, not my job.
“It’s not a stress when you are working. It’s not a stress to go to the training ground. It’s not a stress to prepare for a game. It’s not a stress to compete… look, my hair is still getting longer and longer!
“I am looking forward to being involved in the game again, I love the game. It’s difficult; we are inside, we are working, we are doing things but it is not the same thing to be involved every day, to share it with your players, your staff and the club. You miss that.
“Football without fans, you realise that you lose the passion… it means a lot to have the fans in the stadium but we need to protect the industry, that is why we need to keep going and playing.”
Pochettino’s next destination is likely to be in England after he declared his love for the country and the culture.
“I discovered an amazing people in this country, an amazing culture. I am in love.”
Elsewhere, Solskjaer has been under immense pressure after following a disastrous start to the season, which has now placed the Red Devils 15th in the table. United have so far suffered defeats against Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Arsenal while drawing against Chelsea. However, in contrast, United had an amazing start to the Champions League, beating the last season’s semi-finalists PSG and RB Leipzig. But all those wins were flattering to deceive as they got beaten by minnows Istanbul Basaksehir on Matchday 3.
Despite the overwhelming criticism, Solskjaer said that it is too early to make a call on his future at Old Trafford.
Following the defeat to Istanbul, the Norwegian boss said,
“I decline to comment on such a thing.”
“Of course, it’s early on and opinions are out there all the time and you’ve got to stay strong.
I’m employed by the club to do a job and I do that to the best of my ability with our staff.”
United will take on Everton in the Premier League this weekend, and it has been reported that Solskjaer’s future lies in the result.
The Red Devils have also sorted out Max Allegri as another potential replacement should they cut ties with Solskjaer.