Pochettino's Man Utd: Two big changes to the starting XI revealed

Manchester United are ready to name Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager should Michael Carrick be sacked – but how will the current USMNT head coach line up with the current squad?

Pochettino has emerged in recent days as favourite to become Man Utd manager, with The Athletic confirming that he is the No.1 choice of the Old Trafford club.

The Argentine has moved ahead of Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann to take command of the race, and given Carrick’s fragile position, it would come as little surprise to see him installed imminently.

Pochettino’s playing style leans heavily on teams that play out from the back and try to create overloads in attacking areas. Attacking full-backs have been a central part of his plan in previous roles at the likes of Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea.

Defensively, his teams have become less reliant on high pressing and intensity as his career has progressed. This is important ahead of taking charge at Old Trafford because the United midfield lacks mobility, particularly when Carlos Baleba is not available, as is currently the case. He is likely to be pragmatic enough to maintain the mid-block that Carrick has typically deployed.

In terms of system, meanwhile, Pochettino has not been wedded to any one formation, though he has a strong preference for a 4-2-3-1 structure. The Argentine, however, has used a 4-3-3 at times and, less frequently, has gone 4-4-2 and, increasingly in his role with the US, 3-4-3.

In the short term, Pochettino is unlikely to shake too much up at Man Utd.

With everyone fit, his starting XI is likely to look similar to that of Carrick.

The biggest change is likely to come at full-back. Given the attacking demands that Pochettino places on his defenders, it would not be a big surprise to see Patrick Dorgu replace Luke Shaw on the left, despite being less solid defensively.

Indeed, this area is likely to play a big role in Pochettino’s thinking and may even see him tempted to play 3-4-3 with Dorgu and Amad Diallo as wing-backs.

It is likelier, however, that he sticks with his favoured 4-2-3-1, which will see Diogo Dalot feature on the right when everyone is fit.

In this system, there is less chance of United’s lack of running power being exposed in midfield and it would allow Kobbie Mainoo or Youri Tielemans to partner Baleba. Indeed, the switch to 3-4-3 will only be possible when the Cameroon international is fit.

Benjamin Sesko should be expected to lead the line, supported by Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes.

Of course, Pochettino’s current strongest XI at Man Utd is unlikely to play together due to injury issues, most notably to Sesko, who could be missing until January.

Meanwhile, the expectation is for United to supplement their squad with new signings come the new year, with Pochettino set to take a leading role in this job.

GK: Senne Lammens

RB: Diogo Dalot

CB: Harry Maguire

CB: Leny Yoro

LB: Patrick Dorgu

DM: Kobbie Mainoo

DM: Carlos Baleba

RW: Bryan Mbeumo

AM: Bruno Fernandes

LW: Matheus Cunha

ST: Benjamin Sesko