Mauricio Pochettino comments suggest he knows where he’ll be next year amid Man Utd links

Mauricio Pochettino, a reported Manchester United managerial target, has hinted at his future plans by saying he has unfinished business with PSG and wants to win the Champions League.

The Argentine, 50, rejoins the Parc des Princes in 2021 after an eighteen-month absence following his dismissal by Tottenham Hotspur in November 2019. Prior to his transfer to Paris, the former Southampton manager was linked with the managerial job at Manchester United, albeit the club chose against dismissing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the time.

When the Norwegian left in November, speculations linked Pochettino to United once more until the Red Devils settled on Ralf Rangnick as a temporary replacement.

With the club expected to choose a new manager in the summer, questions about Pochettino’s future have been raised, though he believes it is in the hands of his current club rather than himself.

“We are competitive by nature,” remarked Pochettino. “This type of challenge is thrilling to take on. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to contend for this [Champions League] championship again.

“Aside from the sadness, giving PSG the opportunity to fight for their goals is always a huge challenge. And, yes, we believe we are capable. Following then, it’s a matter of exchanges. We will have to meet with the club to exchange information. To determine the most effective formula. To be able to see the vision, the future, the ideas, and the project.

“At the end of the season, we’ll go over everything. We’ll see [whether I stay] at the end of the season. It will be up to the club to make the decision.”

Pochettino’s reputation received a significant boost in 2019. He led Tottenham to their first Champions League final, overcoming Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, and Ajax on the way.

Despite the fact that they were defeated in the final by Liverpool, the work he had already done had elevated him to the elite level of football. He has yet to reach that point with PSG, though he did reach the semi-finals last year before losing to City.

According to reports, Pochettino and Erik ten Hag are vying for the position at United. However, because Pochettino’s job security appears to be much lower than Ten Hag’s, he is considered the somewhat stronger favorite.