Mauricio Pochettino quickly says no to bringing back a former player to Man Utd as January plans start to take shape.
Manchester United is entering a fresh chapter as Mauricio Pochettino takes over from Michael Carrick. The new manager, from Argentina, is already planning which players he wants to bring in during the January transfer window.
Pochettino signed a two-and-a-half-year deal this week, becoming the eighth permanent boss at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013. The 54-year-old said it was one of the toughest decisions he’s ever made, as he prepares to leave his job managing the United States men’s national team.
Manchester United faces a tough time right now, sitting 18th in the Premier League with only eight points from 10 games. The challenge is even greater with the club’s current ownership situation. Still, with January coming up and hopes to push for a European spot, Pochettino will have the chance to make his mark on the team.
Reports say he’s already changing things, like making players train the day after matches, instead of giving them a day off like before. He will also help decide which players to sign, with center-back, left-back, and striker being top priorities.
Last transfer window, these positions were left weak, which partly led to Carrick’s exit. For this reason, Pochettino might not go for Chelsea’s right-back Malo Gusto, even though he used him 37 times while managing at Chelsea from July 2023 to May 2024.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said, “Pochettino liked Malo Gusto at Chelsea, so there is a connection. But right now, Man United want to focus on center-back and striker first. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Gusto has been linked with leaving Chelsea before, as he started just three of their first 10 Premier League games this season. He nearly left last summer, but Chelsea’s £75 million asking price was too high. Now, it seems the 23-year-old is ready to move in January. Manchester United is interested but might wait until other positions are strengthened.
It’s clear Pochettino thinks highly of Gusto. At Chelsea, Gusto was often the first pick when Reece James was injured, and Pochettino admired how well he adapted to English football after joining Lyon in January 2023.
Back in January 2024, Pochettino said, “He is very young but looks more mature. He came from a tough time at Lyon, adapting to a new country and a new style of football. He’s doing well. I’m happy with him — he’s a good player, especially when Reece can’t play.”
Gusto appreciated Pochettino too, saying a month later: “He helps us a lot. He shows us how important it is to keep fighting every game. He talks about tactics and technique and helps both on and off the pitch. He’s a good coach for our young team.”
Gusto also mentioned how Pochettino works to keep the team close, arranging bonding events to build team spirit. “The key for this new project is to help and support each other. If we do that, we can win more,” Gusto said.
Pochettino’s first game in charge will be a tough one — an away match at Liverpool on November 22.