Mauricio Pochettino 'reaches decision' on first Man Utd transfer target who 'ticks a lot of boxes'

Manchester United are eyeing a deal to sign Brentford captain Nathan Collins, according to reports, as Mauricio Pochettino looks to bolster his defensive options in the January transfer window.

Pochettino, who was confirmed as United's new head coach this week, will soon inherit a defence that has conceded the most goals across all competitions in Europe's top-five leagues this season.

Michael Carrick was forced to play Diogo Dalot at left-back for weeks following an injury to Luke Shaw, while Leny Yoro featured at right-back on numerous occasions in what was a makeshift backline.

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Manchester United targeting move for Republic of Ireland international Nathan Collins

As they continue to struggle defensively, Pochettino is expected to strengthen his options in January, according to a report from Football Insider, which claims United have already begun identifying potential targets.

One of those targets is believed to be Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins, who has been identified as someone who 'ticks a lot of boxes', with the defender's leadership qualities being mentioned.

Pete O’Rourke, the transfer correspondent at Football Insider, outlined why Collins would be an attractive option for United.

"He’s Premier League proven, and he’s got great experience even though he’s still only 25," said O’Rourke. “He’s captain of Brentford, captain of the Republic of Ireland as well, so he’s got leadership qualities in that fact as well. Obviously, Brentford won’t want to lose him.

“Man United are obviously going to be carrying out a major defensive overhaul in the next couple of transfer windows."

He added: “Nathan Collins would tick a lot of boxes, but as I said, Brentford won’t want to lose him. It just shows maybe that United are looking within the Premier League for reinforcements.”

Nathan Collins has been an important player under Keith Andrews. Image credit: Getty

It appears the 25-year-old is on United’s shortlist alongside Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Daily Mail.

In terms of a move for Collins, Brentford are likely to be reluctant to part ways with their captain in January.

The defender has established himself as a hugely influential figure at Brentford since arriving from Wolves in 2023, with his leadership qualities and consistency earning him the captain's armband following Christian Nørgaard's departure.

His importance was underlined across the 2024-25 campaign, when he became the only outfield player in the Premier League to play every single minute of the season.

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Pochettino will bring his trusty coaching staff to work with him at Old Trafford, including assistants Jesus Perez and Miguel D’Agostino, and long-time goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez.

His son Sebastiano will also come in as a fitness coach, while reports also claim that there could be a historic hire in the form of Silvia Tuya, who will become the first female member of United's backroom staff in their 148-year history.

A Bola, citing reports by The Guardian, said that Tuya is expected to follow Pochettino to Carrington.

Tuya is a strength and conditioning coach who joined Pochettino's USMNT staff as a new addition, announcing her move in October 2027 by taking to X and writing, "Very happy to join Pochettino's staff as a strength and conditioning coach for the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team."

The Spaniard has a PhD in sport science after studying at university in Barcelona, which included a research placement in Leeds.

She began working as a strength and conditioning coach at Levante Las Planas' women's football team, as well as doing personal training for athletes.