Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterSince Mauricio Pochettino arrived in English football with Southampton in January 2013, Manchester United have cycled through a dozen interim, caretaker or permanent managers, from Sir Alex Ferguson to Michael Carrick.Even more coaches have been linked with the post, with the same names seemingly popping up every time the Old Trafford dugout is vacant.Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is one such manager and, according to the man himself, this was not just gossip column speculation.Pochettino: Manchester United have always shown interest in me, but the ideal scenario to manage there has never quite materialisedThe Argentine was first linked with Manchester United a decade ago, speculation that gathered pace when he met Sir Alex Ferguson for lunch in 2016, during which time he was in charge of Spurs.United have always shown interest, Pochettino revealed to FourFourTwo in an interview earlier this year. But the ideal scenario to manage there has never quite materialised. You may like 'I met genius Sir Alex Ferguson for lunch and we argued over who would pay. I came so close, I want to try and win the Premier League again' Mauricio Pochettino adds fuel to Manchester United links Manchester United report: Mauricio Pochettino to ACCEPT managerial job role Mauricio Pochettino to become Manchester United manager, with deal being finalised: report In any case, that lunch with Sir Alex had absolutely nothing to do with it, he continues before explaining how the meeting came about.In his final season as a manager, we played a great game against United with Southampton. In the press conference after, he said wed been the most complete opponent that United had faced.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Through the secretary of the League Managers Association, he asked for my phone number so that we could have lunch. It was a meeting in London between colleagues between a genius and an apprentice.My English wasnt great, but Jesus Perez helped. When we asked for the bill, I wanted to take it, and so did he. We started arguing over whod pay! He said, Stop Mauricio, Im going to ask you a question. If you answer correctly, you pay. If not, Ill pay. I had no idea what he was going to ask.He said, Name an Argentine player who scored in the 1930 World Cup final. I replied, Stabile. He couldnt believe it. The name came to me out of nowhere! In the end, I paid the bill. What to read next Manchester United are missing perfect new manager opportunity to avoid �30m bill Manchester United close to 'reaching agreement' with Antonio Conte: report Manchester United next manager odds: FOUR British bosses lined up Speculation mounted again six years later in 2022, when the Red Devils would eventually go on to appoint Erik ten Hag.I was under contract at PSG, Pochettino continues. After our Champions League elimination against Real Madrid, we had no option but to make sure we secured the Ligue 1 title at least.United were in a hurry to announce their new manager before the end of that season because the situation had become unsustainable. I couldnt negotiate, whereas Ajax gave Ten Hag the flexibility to do so.Pochettino is widely expected to replace Carrick in the dugout at Old Trafford ahead of Man United's derby with Liverpool later this month.The Argentine coach is reported to have a $10 million break clause in his USMNT contract, which was extended over the summer following the United States' World Cup campaign.Man United chiefs are meeting in Monaco this week to discuss the club's next steps.TOPICSTottenham HotspurManchester UnitedPremier LeagueJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.With contributions fromDani GilJoe Mewis
