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Sir Alex Ferguson's opinion of Mauricio Pochettino as Man Utd make Argentine top target
Sir Alex Ferguson will be happy with Manchester United's preferred replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar after Watford defeat
Sir Alex Ferguson will want Manchester United to pursue Mauricio Pochettino as their top target to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager. His opinion of the Argentine could have a significant bearing on United's decision-making as they search for their next permanent boss.
On Sunday, United dismissed Solskjaer after three years in charge amid a run of just four wins in the last 13 games in all competitions.
As outlined in the club's statement confirming Solskjaer's sacking, Michael Carrick will take charge for 'forthcoming games'.
In the meantime, United have commenced their search for an interim manager who can fill in until the end of the season.
But they will target a permanent appointment next summer, and Pochettino is supposedly first-choice among club figures.
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According to The Mirror, the PSG manager has emerged as the favourite to replace Solskjaer at the end of the season.
Ferguson has admired Pochettino for a long time, even previously trying to lure him to United.
And the 49-year-old is 'desperate' to ditch Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar to return to the Premier League.
The Red Devils job, in particular, is one he has 'had his heart on' since leaving Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.
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Pochettino's PSG contract expires in 2023, meaning United would have to pay the Ligue 1 giants significant compensation to recruit him if he's still in the dugout.
The Mirror claim Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers, Ajax's Erik ten Hag and three-time Champions League-winning manager Zinedine Zidane are other names on the club's shortlist.
Admiration for Pochettino has been well-known for years, despite his failure to win a trophy during his time in England.
The Argentine turned Spurs into regular top-four challengers and guided the club to the Champions League final in 2019 before leaving after almost six years at the helm.
Pochettino leaving Paris for Manchester at this stage in the season is unlikely, with his side vying for major honours domestically and in Europe.
Former PSG boss Laurent Blanc is in consideration for the interim role ahead of next summer's permanent appointment.
The ex-United defender is currently coaching in Qatar but could be tempted by a temporary return to Old Trafford.
Whoever replaces Carrick as interim manager will have the daunting task of rescuing the Red Devils' dwindling season.
Champions League qualification is a must, while a place in this season's knockout stages is still up in the air.