Transfer targets, in-house fixes for Mauricio Pochettino at Manchester United: Who fits, who doesn't?

Mauricio Pochettino's possible/probable/impending move to Manchester United — Michael Carrick is still in charge at the moment! — could see limited changes to the team until January. That might sound wild given United's massive struggles this season, but Pochettino like Carrick favors a 4-2-3-1 and the cupboard is relatively bare at Old Trafford despite the club's annual spending spree. MORE — Pochettino ‘perfect fit’ for Man United Pochettino has limited experience with current Manchester United players, almost zero in recent history. A teenage Luke Shaw was a mainstay for Pochettino at Southampton in 2013-14, while an also-teenage Andrey Santos had a preseason with Pochettino before going on loan to Nottingham Forest and then Strasbourg. Mason Mount left Chelsea for Man United much to Pochettino's chagrin during the manager's first summer on the blue side of London. So while the formation would be familiar, Day One would be a fresh start for almost everyone including the finally-returning Shaw. Which current Man United stars could shine under Mauricio Pochettino? Bruno Fernandes would seemingly endorse Pochettino's pressing plans and thrive in them. Jokes aside , the Portuguese veteran would be a must-use asset and must-solve problem for Pochettino in the interim. Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha fit almost anyone's pressing system but those are all components in a team which has failed to thrive under Carrick. Benjamin Sesko could also do well when he returns in a few months. The back line is more complicated. Ball-playing center back Matthijs de Ligt could be a fit as a leader and ball mover but needs a partner with significant recovery speed. Harry Maguire is not that man. In fact, the first Man United defender to hit the “top speed” leaderboard amongst centerbacks this season is all the way down at No. 33 with Leny Yoro, a step quicker than not-quick Maguire (No. 44). Ayden Heaven is at 64 and Lisandro Martinez 73. Shaw ranks well for speed amongst PL fullbacks , though like De Ligt his injury history is a concern. An interesting one for Pochettino is Marcus Rashford. The manager has praised the player over the years but Rashford's pressing acumen is questionable. Who could be Manchester United’s transfer targets in January? PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 1: (L-R) Tyler Adams and the head coach Mauricio Pochettino of the United States speak with members of the media during a press conference ahead of the international friendly match against Mexico at Westin Tempe on October 1, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images) Getty Images There will be some links with United States men's national team players for sure. Pochettino could absolutely try to pry Tyler Adams from Bournemouth. His USMNT captain is one of the best pressers in the Premier League and might fancy a move to the Champions League if things turn around over the next month. Bayer Leverkusen's Malik Tillman would also work but not alongside Fernandes. Other USMNT players who could make a move to United should Pochettino see them as fit for the level are center forward Folarin Balogun, who could be a lower-cost answer as Monaco had already okayed a move to Everton in the summer prior to the player changing his mind. Antonee Robinson would also be an excellent fit should Shaw no longer fit Pochettino's bill. As far as dream players, Pochettino's ex-PSG fullbacks Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi would be statement moves for Manchester United. A Chelsea player to watch is Malo Gusto, who has not been an every-week starter for Xabi Alonso. The 23-year-old enjoyed a fruitful relationship playing for Pochettino at a young age with the Blues.