Pochettino to be backed with January funds as Man Utd target defensive reinforcements

Mauricio Pochettino will be handed significant transfer funds in the January window as Manchester United look to address a chronic defensive shortage that has left them in the Premier League relegation zone. The Argentine, who joins on a two-and-a-half-year contract, will have direct input on recruitment targets — a deliberate shift from the disjointed approach that drew criticism under previous regimes.

United have historically been reluctant to do business in the winter market, but the club has accepted that reinforcements at the back cannot wait until summer. A left-back capable of providing cover for the injured Luke Shaw is among the top priorities, with United having failed to land one in previous windows.

The club has invested heavily in attack over the past two transfer windows. Strikers Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all arrived in 2025, while midfielders Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans were signed the previous summer — with mixed results across the board. Sesko is currently sidelined with injury, adding further pressure on a squad that has regressed rather than improved.

While a marquee striker remains a longer-term target for the summer, United are also monitoring attacking options for January. Como’s Nico Paz, the young Argentina international, has been linked with a move, though a forward signing is considered secondary to shoring up the defence.

Pochettino, known for his work developing young and homegrown talent during his time at Tottenham and Chelsea, has also previously spoken publicly about his admiration for Marcus Rashford, whose future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.

The new manager was visibly emotional at a farewell press conference in the United States, where he had been working ahead of a Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti. He is expected to travel to England next week to begin preparations for his first match in charge — a Premier League fixture against Liverpool.