Seven players who Mauricio Pochettino will ‘like’ at Man Utd named including Marcus Rashford

A former colleague of Mauricio Pochettino has identified seven Manchester United players - including Marcus Rashford - whose qualities "fit the way he likes his teams to play."

United have reached a full verbal agreement with Pochettino as they look to replace Michael Carrick ahead of their Premier League clash against Liverpool on November 22.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager has got some serious work to do. United currently sit 18th in the league after picking up one win from their opening 10 games.

READ MORE: How Man Utd could line up under Mauricio Pochettino with four new signings and talisman in attack

The seven players Mauricio Pochettino will 'like' to work with at Manchester United

Pochettino will be hoping to get the best out of underperforming players in the coming months, including Marcus Rashford, who has been identified as someone he has "always loved" amid speculation over his appointment.

A report from The Telegraph suggests Pochettino will relish the chance to work with Rashford, who has struggled for regular minutes since returning from a loan spell at Barcelona.

In fact, a source told the publication that the Argentine will "put an arm around him and give him that same kind of love he showed to Dele Alli".

Alli enjoyed the most successful period of his career under Pochettino at Spurs, where he developed into one of the Premier League's most exciting players.

Pochettino gave him the freedom to operate behind Harry Kane, with his standout campaign coming in 2016-17, when he scored 18 league goals as Tottenham finished second behind Chelsea.

Dele Alli flourished under Pochettino's guidance. Image credit: Getty

As well as Rashford, Pochettino will 'like' to work under Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Carlos Baleba, Amad, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu, according to The Telegraph's source, who has previously worked with Pochettino.

"They are all players who have qualities he usually likes and fit the way he likes his teams to play. Some of the others might have to prove themselves to him," the source added.

Mauricio Pochettino has made no secret of his admiration for Marcus Rashford.

At the 2022 World Cup, Pochettino was working as a pundit when he spoke highly of Rashford. The former PSG boss said he knew what the England international needed to rediscover his best form.

“I’ve always liked him, I knew of his process because I was in England, but I think he’s a great player," said Pochettino. "He just needs the confidence and for himself to believe, to put him at the top level. The quality is there for him.”

Rashford has yet to find the net in eight appearances for United this season. He will be hoping to improve those numbers under Pochettino, who is clearly a big fan of the 29-year-old.