Mauricio Pochettino to Manchester United? What Sir Alex Ferguson said about the manager in 2013 as Jose Mourinho is sacked

Mauricio Pochettino to Manchester United? What Sir Alex Ferguson said about the manager in 2013 as Jose Mourinho is sacked
It was only Mauricio Pochettino’s second game as a Premier League manager, but he left a lasting impression on Sir Alex Ferguson.He was unknown when given the Southampton job in January 2013, replacing the popular Nigel Adkins with the club three points above the relegation zone.But, after earning a credible draw with Everton in his first game, he then took his side to Old Trafford.3

Fergie thought his United side were lucky to beat Pochettino’s Southampton in 2013

Ahead of the game, the 40-year-old said he was going there for a win – Southampton had not won there for 25 years.And he nearly pulled it off, as Saints went ahead through Jay Rodriguez, but they ultimately fell short and United won 2-1.Fergie thought his side were lucky.“[Winning] is the name of the game at this stage of the season,” he said afterwards.

---

• Manchester United manager latest – follow the updates LIVE

• How Mourinho’s record compares to Van Gaal and Moyes’

• Why Mourinho leaving Man United could be GOOD for Spurs

---

“For the first 30 minutes I thought we were fantastic, we played really well. But in the second half Southampton have been the best team to play here this season.“We were fortunate to win the game. They pushed on top of us and didn’t give us any time on the ball.”Pochettino’s desire to win was evident.“I’m very proud [of Ferguson’s praise]. It’s very important for my players to hear. But we leave with no points. We did play well but I’m upset at not getting a draw at least. It doesn’t console me.“I think in the second half we played as we should have done for the whole game. I think it’s important for the team to know we can play that well.”3

Pochettino’s work at Southampton won him praise from Ferguson

Ferguson followed Pochettino’s progress and watched him get the Spurs job in 2014 where he has made them Premier League title contenders.During the 2015/16 season, Tottenham lost out to eventual champions Leicester and, when the legendary boss was asked in 2016 what had impressed him most about Tottenham during that campaign, he said: “Well, the manager has been fantastic.3

Pochettino has turned Tottenham into Premier League title contenders since getting the job in 2014

“[Tottenham] have a bad record of managers, there is no doubt about that. They have had so many over the years, but this lad has composure. You never see him ruffled and the way his team play is a testimony to the work he is doing.“The most important thing for English football is how many English and young players are in his team.“He understands the advantage of playing young people. They won’t let you down and they have been fantastic. [Dele] Alli, [Harry] Kane, [Ryan] Mason, [Danny] Rose, [Eric] Dier, all English players, [Kyle] Walker, the right back, although he has been there for a bit longer.” Pochettino is also a big admirer of Fergie and there is a section of his book, Brave New World, dedicated to a lunch meeting the pair enjoyed in 2016.News of Jose Mourinho’s dismissal has increased speculation Man United will try and install him as their next manager, with Old Trafford legend Gary Neville saying he’d be perfect.You look at Mauricio Pochettinos belief in young players at Southampton and with Tottenham,” he told Sky Sports. “You look at his performance levels and the style of play. You look at the way he carries himself at all times, publicly and in private.Ive been fortunate to spend time at Tottenhams training ground, and for me he feels like the ideal candidate.Man United have tried managers who have won European cups, theyve tried managers who have won multiple leagues.My view is they need someone who meets the three key principles of the football club, and that is promotion of youth, entertaining football, and to win football matches.

---

'Arsenal wouldn't scare me and I'm a jockey!' - Sir AP McCoy

---

Man City news and transfers LIVE build up and team news ahead of City vs Swansea in FA Cup. Manchester City can take a step closer to another piece of silverware today as they take on Swansea in
NewsNow: Man City News, MCFC Transfer News & Rumours

---

Manchester United vs Barcelona: Lionel Messi expected to

---

Premier League title winner predicted: talkSPORT assesses

---

Former Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis almost scared a ball boy to death with his "Panther Walk" celebration on Thursday afternoon in a Saudi Arabia top-flight league match. Gomis, 33, who now plays for Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal, scored in their 2-0 win over Al-Ittihad and as always, he got on his knees for his trademark
Bafétimbi Gomis Celebration Sends Ballboy Fleeing In Terror

---

Following the news that Real Madrid have ruled out a move for PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are all reportedly ready to make an offer to the 24-year-old. The France international is out of contract at the end of the season, and with no transfer fee to be paid, he is in a strong bargaining position.
Arsenal 'believe they have the edge in race to sign Adrien

---

Bristol City produced a resolute away display to condemn Championship play-off rivals Middlesbrough to a fifth successive defeat and strengthen their own push for a place in the top six. Boro, who
Championship: Middlesbrough v Bristol City, Swansea City v

---

Thorgan Hazard is being eyed by Liverpool and Arsenal (Pic: Getty) Thorgan Hazard is being chased by Liverpool and Arsenal (Pic: Getty) Meanwhile, title-chasing Liverpool are still looking for a Philippe Coutinho replacement and see Hazard as an ideal attacking option this summer. Earlier this week, Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre was
Paper Talk: Liverpool, Arsenal to battle for £36m Belgium star

---

ENGLAND WORLD CUP 2018 [OFFICIAL SONG] 3 LIONS CURSED 🦁 Gareth Southgate has named his 23 man England squad for the World Cup 2018 in Russia. Has he made the right decisions, would you have
2018 FIFA World Cup- Tunisia Vs England-Preview! Live

---

Christian Pulisic says he is privileged to sign for 'legendary club' Chelsea. The American joined the Premier League side for £58m and posted an emotional message to his supporters at Dortmund.
Pulisic: Signing for legendary Chelsea a privilege

---

Manchester United vs Manchester City predictions: After a disappointing exit from the Champions League, Manchester City managed a hard-fought to regain the title and with the Red Devils in
3 reasons why Manchester United will outclass Manchester City

---