Man United news: Pundit issues ‘huge’ verdict after Mauricio Pochettino source reveal
Noel Whelan has claimed new manager of Man United must start rebuilding the club from “ground zero” as their barren streak continues.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted now is a “huge time” for the Old Trafford club as they slip further and further behind rivals in the race for silverware.
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick is set to exit at the end of the season, with Mauricio Pochettino the favourite to take the reins at Man United – who last won a major honour in 2017.
Football Insider revealed today (9 February) that the Red Devils could look to offer ex-Tottenham chief Steve Hitchen a role on their recruitment team if frontrunner Pochettino is appointed.
A Man United source has told Football Insider that the Argentine would be in favour of a reunion with Hitchen.
Whelan insisted a “real rebuild” is needed at Old Trafford in order to bring back the “winning mentality” of old.
“It’s a huge time for Man United now,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“We really don’t look at them as one of the favourites for the title anymore, do we?
“It’s been so long now that Man City, Liverpool, and Chelsea have dominated that discussion – and they’ve just looked so much more stable than Man United.
“It’s a really important appointment because they need someone through the door who is still able to attract players.
“They’ll need to start at ground zero and have a real rebuild of that squad – because it’s been influenced by so many managers, none of whom have been successful.
“They need to create that winning mentality, that culture. Whoever comes in – and Pochettino certainly makes sense and would be huge – needs to make the club a winner again. They’ve not really had that since Sir Alex Ferguson left.”
Man United look likely to endure another trophyless season.
They bowed out of the FA Cup against Middlesbrough on penalties last week (4 February).
In other news, medical expert predicts Eric Bailly may have played last game for Man United after confirmed news.