Mauricio Pochettino faces a massive squad overhaul at Manchester United
Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to succeed Michael Carrick at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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Tottenham and Chelsea could be getting calls from Manchester United should Mauricio Pochettino succeed Michael Carrick. The Argentine is the red-hot favourite to inherit the Old Trafford hot seat despite only signing a new contract to continue as United States manager a matter of months ago.
If and when he does take charge, he will have a huge job on his hands to revive a United side in the relegation zone with just one league win all season. While keeping United in the Premier League will be his first priority, it is abundantly clear that a massive squad overhaul is required.
United arguably need an entirely new back four and more options out wide and in attack. While United strengthened their midfield in the summer, including the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea, those recruits have failed to convince.
Therefore, it would be no surprise if Pochettino attempts to raid Spurs and the Blues for players he has worked with before. Here are five players who could be on his hit list…
Conor Gallagher
While he's had a mixed time at Spurs, Gallagher was superb under Pochettino at Chelsea, arguably playing the best football of his career.
Pochettino regularly spoke highly of the midfielder. He summed up his feelings towards him in 2024, saying: "I think he is a player with a great commitment to the team.
"He is always trying to compensate in every situation, in offensive and defensive situations. It's priceless to have a player like him."
Mauricio Pochettino and Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher thrived under Pochettino(Image: Getty Images)
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Cole Palmer
What a statement signing this would be. Palmer has made an excellent start to the season and would command a huge fee, probably more than £100m.
There is plenty of respect between him and Pochettino from their season working together. Palmer called Pochettino a "top manager and a top person" and credited him with making him a better player.
He also happens to be a boyhood United fan. It looks like a long shot, but given Chelsea's player trading model, it cannot be completely discounted.
Cole Palmer and Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino and Cole Palmer got on well at Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
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Richarlison
The easiest player to extract from Spurs is surely Richarlison, who has been frozen out by Roberto De Zerbi after not being named in their 25-man Premier League squad. Pochettino tried to sign the Brazilian for Spurs almost a decade ago, so is clearly a fan.
At 29, he should still have plenty left in the tank and a move to United could revive his career. Given his affection for former club Everton, moving north wouldn't faze him.
Roberto De Zerbi has given an update on Richarlison's future at the club.
Richarlison has been frozen out at Spurs(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Levi Colwill
The defender played regularly under Pochettino during the Argentine's sole season at Stamford Bridge. Frustratingly for some Chelsea fans - and possibly Colwill himself - he was often deployed at left-back rather than in the centre. Still, that versatility would be an asset amid a United rebuild.
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill has had a tough start to the season and could benefit from a move(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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Malo Gusto
Pochettino to United could be the perfect timing for Gusto, who reportedly wants out of Stamford Bridge after becoming a benchwarmer under Xabi Alonso. Recent reports have claimed that the 23-year-old wants more assurances about his future in the team. He could benefit from a fresh start at Old Trafford under a manager he thrived under at Stamford Bridge in 2023/24.