Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterManchester United have identified their first signing of the Mauricio Pochettino era, and have the go-ahead for a move.The Argentine is set to become the fourth permanent head coach of the INEOS era after Manchester United decided to dismiss Michael Carrick, with the former Red Devils midfielder having won just once in the first 10 games of the season.Pochettino has already decided on a first transfer target, too with Arsenal's Hale End academy another source for the club.Manchester United are in need of new impetus up frontTwo of United's early INEOS buys came from the Gunners, with the new ownership looking for value in youngsters they could develop.Ayden Heaven has proven to be a smart signing, while 18-year-old Chido Obi is still developing out on loan at Willem II. You may like Mauricio Pochettino to become Manchester United manager, with deal being finalised: report Manchester United report: Mauricio Pochettino to ACCEPT managerial job role We were under his spell straight away Morgan Schneiderlin explains why Mauricio Pochettino has the charisma to transform Manchester United TEAMtalk are now reporting that Pochettino is eyeing a move for Folarin Balogun in January, with United lacking a focal point in attack while Benjamin Sesko is injured.The New York City-born centre-forward came through Arsenal's academy and made his first-team debut under manager Mikel Arteta, but after an excellent loan spell at Reims, the North Londoners found the idea of selling the star for pure profit too good to resist.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.Balogun has struggled a little more at Monaco, however, and almost moved to Everton over the summer after a star turn under Pochettino for the USMNT at a World Cup on home soil.The report states that Balogun has given his approval to a move to Old Trafford should it materialise with United looking at improving a floundering squad in the winter window.Monaco, meanwhile, are open to business in January, preferring a sale to a loan though would consider a temporary arrangement if a good clause was included in the negotiations.TEAMtalk have also noted that US right-back Alex Freeman is a player that Pochettino regards highly, with both full-back roles problem positions for the Red Devils.Tim Howard and Jonathan Spector remain the only American players to have represented the 13-time Premier League winners in the 21st Century.Balogun is worth 50m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal take on Newcastle United when Premier League action resumes after the international break.TOPICSFolarin BalogunManchester UnitedArsenalTransfer newsMark WhiteSocial Links NavigationContent EditorMark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge both past and present Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
