Manchester United chief Ed Woodward is “obsessed” with Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham, according to United insiders cited by the Evening Standard.
The regional newspaper claim the United executive chairman’s desire to make Pochettino the next permanent manager of the club is “no secret” and that remains unaltered despite the sound initial impression made by caretaker Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Standard report Woodward is “so attracted” to the Argentine, partly because his character and philosophy is so different to Jose Mourinho, who was sacked last month.
OPINION
Does this revelation from the Standard surprise Spurs and United fans? Not necessarily, although perhaps the extent of Woodward’s attraction to Pochettino’s managerial qualities should be a concern for Lilywhites. Pochettino is keeping his cards close to his chest as to his intentions at the end of the season, despite suggesting this week that it is possible he could stay at Tottenham for the rest of his career. Most Tottenham fans would settle for the Argentine seeing out a contract that has just over four years to run. This summer promises to be the biggest test yet for Daniel Levy, who is also braced for interest from Real Madrid for the man who has transformed the fortunes of Spurs over the last half-decade. Both Real and United have the resources and prestige that the north Londoners, despite their recent advances, can’t just match. The good thing is that Pochettino is the loyal type who does not always regard the grass as greener on the other side. Can that, though, be enough to keep Woodward at bay?