Mauricio Pochettino receives backing to become Manchester United manager ahead of Erik ten Hag

Mauricio Pochettino has been backed to be a “great fit” as Manchester United’s new manager as the club’s search continues.

United still intend on making their appointment before the end of the season, with Erik ten Hag seemingly now the favourite. The Ajax boss has emerged as the Reds’ preferred candidate in recent weeks as they look for a permanent successor to interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

A final decision is yet to be made though, with Pochettino still seen as one of the frontrunners for the role alongside Ten Hag. United have also not ruled out making an approach for Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel amid the ongoing uncertainty at Stamford Bridge.

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Though Pochettino remains in the running, his stock has dropped among United fans, who appear to favour Ten Hag in the race to become the club’s new manager. Pochettino cause was not helped by Paris Saint-Germain’s exit from the Champions League, which saw the French side throw away a 2-0 lead against Real Madrid.

Pochettino is expected to be sacked by PSG, despite the Argentine closing in on his first league title with the club. Former Celtic, Everton and Monaco star John Collins though believes the former Tottenham boss is the ideal fit for United.

"He is a terrific manager,” Collins told The Mirror. “He had Tottenham playing fabulous attacking football and took them to a Champions League final on a reduced budget compared to some other teams.

"The biggest mistake Daniel Levy has ever made in his life was sacking him. It was a ridiculous decision and one I think he probably regrets. United have to get the right manager and give him time to build the team. Whichever manager goes in now, and Poch would be a great