Mauricio Pochettino sends message to Man Utd over replacing Erik ten Hag | Football

Pochettino’s surprising departure from Chelsea was announced less than three weeks ago but the Argentine says he has ‘full energy’ and is ready for a swift return.

United are set to finally make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future this week, with the Dutchman still in the dark over whether or not he will be sacked.

Manchester United slumped to their lowest-ever Premier League finish last season but an impressive victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final appears to have made the new Old Trafford hierarchy reconsider.

It was recently reported that United had held talks with another former Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel, about replacing Ten Hag, but both the club and the man himself decided it was not the best fit.

Pressed on whether he would be willing to return to the Premier League – having now managed English top-flight clubs Chelsea, Tottenham and Southampton – Pochettino nodded and said ‘open to football, we’re open to football’, while grinning.

Pochettino’s World XI were beaten 6-3 by England at Stamford Bridge as the hosts ended a five-year losing run to triumph in Soccer Aid.

‘It was good, it was a good experience,’ Pochettino said of the event. ‘All of the fans here gave us a nice welcome.

‘It’s a strange feeling because we finished a few weeks ago but I am happy to be here again.’

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