Pochettino confirmed as Manchester United manager with Balogun and Freeman among first January targets

Mauricio Pochettino has been confirmed as Manchester United manager, with the club moving swiftly to appoint the Argentine after dismissing Michael Carrick, whose tenure ended with United stranded in the Premier League relegation zone having won just one of their opening ten league fixtures.

Carrick’s exit had been building for some time. United’s hierarchy were understood to have been progressing a deal for Pochettino behind the scenes before the dismissal was made public, and the appointment was made official on Friday afternoon. In all competitions, Carrick managed only three wins — one in the Premier League and two in the Champions League — before INEOS concluded a change was necessary.

With the January transfer window approaching, Pochettino is already reported to be assessing potential recruits. According to TeamTALK, two names that have surfaced are players the new manager knows well from his time in charge of the United States men’s national team: forward Folarin Balogun and defender Alex Freeman.

Balogun’s representatives are understood to have already made contact with United, informing the club of the 25-year-old’s interest in a potential move. The Monaco forward, who was at the centre of a red card controversy during the recent World Cup, was linked with Everton in the summer — a transfer he was reportedly reluctant to pursue. His willingness to join United is said to be driven in part by the prospect of reuniting with Pochettino.

The full-back position has been a recurring weakness for United this season, which has prompted interest in Villarreal’s Alex Freeman. The 22-year-old, who can operate at right-back or centre-back, is highly regarded by Pochettino and has cemented himself as a regular starter for the USA.

Before any transfer business can be conducted, Pochettino faces an immediate test on the pitch. United’s first fixture after the international break takes them to Anfield to face Liverpool, followed by home games against Brentford and Sporting.

Former United captain Gary Neville, speaking to Sky Sports News, offered his backing to the new appointment. “I’ve always wanted Mauricio Pochettino as the manager at United,” Neville said. “I’ve said it numerous times that I wanted him. I think he’s a brilliant person. I think he understands the size of the club.”