Pochettino refuses to comment on potential Man United role
That is the opinion of Arsenal legend Martin Keown.
Jose Mourinho was sacked from United in the week after a torrid start to his third season in charge at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese was replaced by club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has been loaned from Norwegian outfit Molde and will return at the end of the season.
While the 45-year-old could not have wished for a better start - thumping Cardiff 5-1 in his first game - Pochettino remains the firm favourite to succeed him in Manchester.
Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t look to me like he is thinking about going anywhere else
Martin Keown
The Argentine has fielded questions about his future diplomatically this week, insisting his focus remains in north London without committing his future there.
His side responded perfectly to the rumours with a 6-2 riot over Everton on Sunday and, even prior to that result, Keown believed the tactician was not fazed by the United links.
“He is part of a project at Tottenham and he’s moving into a brand new home.”
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is unfazed by Manchester United's interest, believes Martin Keown (Image: Getty)
Mauricio Pochettino masterminded a 3-0 win over Jose Mourinho's Manchester United in August (Image: Getty)
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Spurs are expected to move into their new stadium in January after a series of delays have postponed their transition from Wembley, which was slated to happen in August.
Interestingly, the visit of United on January 13 could be the first game held at the new White Hart Lane.
“He has confidence because he knows two of the world’s best clubs are potentially pursuing him in Manchester United and Real Madrid,” Keown added.
“He’s nurtured players superbly, such as Dele Alli and Harry Kane.
Tottenham are set to move into their new stadium in January (Image: Getty)
“Tottenham are on the toes of Liverpool and Manchester City, who are performing as well as we’ve ever seen in the Premier League.”
After City’s shock 3-2 loss at home to Crystal Palace on the weekend, Spurs are now just two points shy of Pep Guardiola’s side, and six short of Liverpool.
Tottenham owner Daniel Levy will not be able to promise the warchest which Pochettino would wield at Old Trafford, but Keown does not think money alone can prise the 46-year-old out of his contract, which expires in June 2023.
“It would take something pretty special to take him away from Tottenham,” Keown continued.
Pochettino is Man Utd's first choice as manager say Lipton
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino clapped the travelling fans at Goodison Park (Image: Getty)
“I think he might use the opportunity to get extra money out of Daniel Levy so he can compete.
"Look at how much he has spent in recent windows compared to the clubs he is competing with.
“Pochettino, to me, is Arsene Wenger 2.0. Wenger was the pioneer. He had a hand in everything, from changing facilities at the training ground to the new stadium. We’re seeing that with Pochettino.
“If he doesn’t go now, then I don’t see him going for a very long time. Tottenham just need to win a trophy. It is very important they fulfil that success.”