How Man Utd will line up under Mauricio Pochettino with four new signings and talisman in attack
Mauricio Pochettino is closing in on becoming the new Manchester United head coach, replacing Michael Carrick in charge at Old Trafford. But what will his United team look like?
The Argentine has reached a verbal agreement with United, who now must trigger the $10 million (£7.4m) compensation clause contained within his contract with the United States men's national team.
United will be Pochettino's fourth Premier League club, after he had spells at Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. United's players, therefore, will be no strangers to the Argentine's style of play and even parts of his management style. But which ones will form part of the new era - and who will he need to bring in? We've used lineup-builder to predict what his United XI could look like by the start of next season:
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How Man Utd will line up under Mauricio Pochettino
We'll start with the goalkeeper. At the end of last season, Senne Lammens' position in United's starting XI was one of the most secure out of the entire squad. Now, after a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign, which included the Belgian being responsible for conceding two goals in the 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, some uncertainty has creeped in. However, at 24 years old, Pochettino will surely back the Belgian to get back to his best form and remain within the sticks for United for years to come.
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As for the rest of the team, a lot of the make-up of the XI will depend on the system Pochettino deploys. He has regularly used a 4-2-3-1 system at his previous clubs and with the USMNT, which has translated into a 3-2-2-3 shape in possession.
That involves a full-back transitioning into midfield; something which, among United's current squad, may be challenging to achieve.
One of the players that could be of interest to Pochettino is Villarreal's Alex Freeman, who was given his senior USMNT debut by Pochettino. The right-back is only 22 years of age and has already been earning rave reviews in La Liga; he is also 6ft 2in tall, possesses plenty of pace and can also play centrally if needed.
At centre-back, we predict that Leny Yoro will be given an opportunity in the middle by Pochettino, having been shifted out to right-back during the final weeks of Carrick's reign. And United will finally complete a move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who will be the successor to Harry Maguire. Pochettino may well keep Maguire for an extra year as defensive cover, but Lisandro Martinez is out of contract and it is unclear whether he will want to hold on to his compatriot.
And at left-back, Pochettino could well push for the signing of Newcastle's Lewis Hall after United's failure to sign him in the summer, given his tendency to give opportunities to young English players during his time at Spurs and Chelsea. The key sticking point for United, though, will be Newcastle's reported asking price of up to £85 million - if that move doesn't come off, Fulham and USMNT star Antonee Robinson, one of the most reliable left-backs in the Premier League over recent years, could be an alternative option.
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In midfield, Pochettino will demand energy and high amounts of running, which should suit Carlos Baleba down to the ground once he returns to full fitness. And captain Bruno Fernandes will keep his place alongside him, with Pochettino doubtless hoping to help the Portuguese recapture the form which saw him won the Premier League Player of the Season award.
On the flanks, we predict Pochettino will place his trust in Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to continue as starting forwards for United, with Shea Lacey and Amad Diallo acting as valuable cover and squad depth.
In attacking midfield, United were linked with Fulham's Josh King in the summer, with the 19-year-old recently earning his first call-up to the England senior squad. Pochettino, of course, played a key role in a young Dele Alli's development at Spurs and may well see the same potential in King - and a chance to take his game even further.
Up front, we've opted for Marcus Rashford to revitalise himself under Pochettino's management. Rashford started life back at Old Trafford well after a season-long loan at Barcelona last season, but has spent the final weeks of Carrick's reign on the sidelines through injury. During the 2022 World Cup, Pochettino spoke highly of Rashford and said he knew what the England international needed to do to reach the top of the game again.
"I think he's a great player," the Argentine told Sky Sports. "He just needs the confidence and for himself to believe, to put him at the top level. The quality is there for him."
Topics: Man Utd, Mauricio Pochettino, Premier League, Marcus Rashford
Ryan Smart
