Mauricio Pochettino is set to take charge at Manchester United. According to Citizen Digital, the Argentine reached a verbal agreement on Wednesday to replace Michael Carrick. United have made their worst start to a season in 40 years.
The deal would end Pochettino's two-year tenure as USA head coach. United have gone through 11 managers, including caretakers, since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. They have not won a league title since. Citizen Digital described a club that needs identity, stability and belief for an expensive but fragmented squad.
Pochettino, 54, is known as an inspirational coach. He had his Southampton squad walk barefoot across hot coals and took Tottenham Hotspur to a Champions League final. At last summer's World Cup on home soil, his US side thrashed Paraguay 4-1 and won its first knockout game since 2002. It then went out in the last 16.
He favours a 4-2-3-1 system, with quick passing from the back and high pressing. He also trusts young players. He started 21-year-old Alex Freeman at the World Cup, and Freeman scored against Australia. Pochettino also handed out 13 debuts in recent friendlies. United have high hopes for youngsters such as Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro and Shea Lacey.
Harry Kane, who broke out under Pochettino at Tottenham, said this week that his former coach had a big impact on his career and development. Kane said Pochettino pushed him on and off the pitch when he needed guidance.
The appointment carries risk. Pochettino's short spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea were less successful. He reportedly grew disillusioned with the star egos at PSG and struggled with the hands-on approach of Chelsea's owners. He has lost five finals, and his only league title came with PSG.
The Guardian's Barney Ronay wrote that Pochettino is "like a walking vision of better times and diminished powers." In hiring him, United would be betting that club and manager can both roll back the clock.