Manchester United warned over Real Madrid risk with Mauricio Pochettino manager appointment

Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steve McManaman believes Mauricio Pochettino would suit Manchester United "down to the ground" - but has warned that he could use Old Trafford as a stepping stone en route to Real Madrid.

The Paris Saint-Germain head coach, along with Ajax chief Erik ten Hag, has been installed as one of the frontrunners to become United's next permanent manager and replace Ralf Rangnick ahead of next season. Pochettino was identified by United as a suitable candidate several months ago and attempted to lure him back to England in November.

However, United saw their efforts to poach the Argentine knocked back by PSG. Nevertheless, he has remained a firm target ahead of the club making a decision in the coming months.

Although Pochettino does not boast a CV dominated by silverware, he is a highly regarded coach of which much is expected. He did a terrific job at Tottenham, guiding them to a first ever Champions League final before being sacked less than six months later.

But whilst McManaman believes the 50-year-old would be a suitable choice for United, he thinks the former Spurs boss will still be aiming to take over at Spanish giants Madrid one day. They have, like United, been linked with him in recent months.

McManaman told Horseracing.net : "I think he would strengthen Manchester United, but anybody would at the moment. I don't mean that disrespectfully.

"They're all over the place. They need to appoint 'A Manager' - and I'm not saying it's Pochettino - and give them a little bit of strength and a little bit of stability.

"I feel sorry for Rangnick coming in because with this 'interim appointment' to the end of the season and then him going upstairs, there are so many uncertainties