Man Utd flop is heading for the exit door under Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino couldn’t hold back his tears as he announced his departure from the American national team, claiming that a job at Manchester United simply doesn’t come around often enough to turn down. Those at Old Trafford, meanwhile, have just hired their fourth manager in four years.

Whether those tears are a sign of things to come remains to be seen. If this were a guessing game, however, then most would suggest that yet another manager is unlikely to survive the house of horrors that has become Old Trafford.

For now, though, there is reason for hope and optimism before domestic football returns, as Pochettino begins to plan what must be a ruthless overhaul.

Why Pochettino must instantly sell Diogo Dalot

Some problems are more obvious than others at Man United. Some lie as high as the director’s box, others simply spend their time costing the Red Devils on the pitch. Perhaps the former is to blame for the latter, but that’s not a conversation that Sir Jim Ratcliffe seems to be ready for.

Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

As such, Pochettino must first turn towards the problem on the pitch, and that problem is Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese cannot be slated for a lack of effort. He works harder than most in a Man United shirt these days, but even that work-rate cannot hide the fact that he is among the biggest liabilities.

The fullback has been the topic of fan unrest for some time now, yet continues to hold a starting place. In many ways, Dalot represents Man United’s recruitment failure. A player who seems to prove costly every season has just entered his eighth year as a Man United player. That is unacceptable.

Before the international break, Dalot’s struggles reared their head more than they have done at any point this season, as Aston Villa’s Alysson enjoyed an afternoon of tormenting the Portugal international.

The talented winger ran across Dalot to score the first, before winning a penalty from the United man for John McGinn to convert Villa’s fourth. A dramatic comeback somewhat spared his blushes, but there’s no denying that Pochettino has a decision to make.

It’s not just Dalot, though. Another Man United star will be lucky to survive the Argentine’s reign.

Man Utd star is “stealing a living” and must go

Though Ratcliffe is arguably more comparable to Ebenezer Scrooge than he is Father Christmas, the INEOS chief has the task of listening to Pochettino’s Christmas list ahead of the January transfer window. And top of that list should be a whole new batch of defenders.

Dalot, as mentioned, is a major issue, as is Lisandro Martinez. When the South American isn’t taking direct shots at Man United chiefs, he’s struggling for form at the heart of their backline. Others haven’t exactly starred, however, and that’s where the overhaul should commence in 2027.

In the middle of that overhaul, at least three names should be shown the door. Dalot, Martinez and, in what is arguably overdue, Luke Shaw.

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

The full-back enjoyed a revived campaign last season, going injury-free as Man United had the Premier League and Premier League only to handle. Since then, though, he has been back on the sidelines and as unreliable as ever for the Red Devils, even more unreliable that the aforementioned Dalot.

Pochettino has to get ruthless and ditch the man he initially helped become a star at Southampton, before Man United came knocking to secure his services for £27m in 2014. Back then, it was Shaw who would have pushed for the move. It was Shaw who the Argentine thought was “one of the best in the world” at the time. Now, Pochettino must be the one who pushes for it.

It’s no secret that Man United were on the hunt for a left-back in the summer, targeting the likes of Lewis Hall and Alejandro Balde, and they must make that a top priority in the January transfer window.

If Pochettino is to stand any chance, then United simply must ditch a player who Roy Keane claimed was “stealing a living” last season and sign an instant upgrade.