'A question of timing' - What Mauricio Pochettino said the last time he was linked with Manchester United job

Mauricio Pochettino admitted 'timing' was everything the last time he was linked with the Manchester United job two years ago.

The Argentine was a candidate to become permanent manager back in 2022, before the club opted to appoint Erik ten Hag to the position.

Ten Hag enjoyed a successful debut campaign at Old Trafford, winning the League Cup and reaching the FA Cup final, while finishing third in the Premier League. United have regressed this season and recorded their lowest ever Premier League finish, but could yet end the season with victory in the FA Cup final this weekend.

It remains to be seen what will happen with Ten Hag beyond the end of the season, though club sources stress that the Ineos Group are yet to make a decision on his future as they consider all of their options ahead of the summer and that all the focus is on this weekend's Wembley showdown with Man City.

Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel and Kieran McKenna would all be in contention for the managerial role should it become available, while former Chelsea manager Pochettino would also be considered if indeed United decided to make a change.

Two years ago, he was asked specifically about links with both United and Real Madrid. Speaking to Marca, he said: “Soccer is 'timing'. These are the moments for it to coincide and for that marriage to happen. Sometimes it's just a question of time. I don't believe in trains passing only once. I think that sometimes you have to have the necessary patience and you have to know how to wait.

He added: "The 'timing' is handled by football, it is true that my name has always been associated with big clubs. I have a lot of respect for professionals and it's hard for me to sell myself, that's work for you."