Pochettino’s Chelsea maelstrom the best yardstick for what lies ahead at Manchester United

Argentinian oversaw high-scoring games in his one Chelsea season and Opta predicts his Manchester United side will move upfield quicker than that team

DON'T CRY FOR ME: USA manager and new Manchester United manager Mauricio Pochettino sheds a tear during a press conference. Pic: Press Association.

Among the 20 managers with more than 290 matches in the Premier League, only the five “big beasts” of Alex Ferguson, Arsène Wenger, José Mourinho, Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have better points-per-game averages than Mauricio Pochettino. He is an elite manager.

Pochettino took over Southampton midway through their first season back in the top flight (2012-13) after the club spent seven years in the lower leagues. In his only full campaign, they finished eighth. He led Tottenham to second in 2016-17, third in the seasons either side, and reached the 2019 Champions League final. His presence lifted those clubs.