Mauricio Pochettino stance on Bruno Fernandes revealed before Manchester United move

Detailed summary

Man Utd captain’s long-term future at Old Trafford has appeared uncertain

Mauricio Pochettino looks set to finally get his wish as he closes in on being appointed as the new Manchester United manager.

It is expected that Michael Carrick will be sacked, with United spending the international break in the relegation zone after a dismal start to the season.

Carrick has not yet officially been relieved of his duties but United have held talks with Pochettino and he is said to be keen on the job.

Pochettino signed a contract extension with the United States national team in the summer, meaning United will have to pay a release clause of around £7.5million.

The arrival of Pochettino could be good news for Bruno Fernandes, as he looks to rediscover his best form.

In the summer of 2019, Pochettino was in charge at Tottenham and pushed hard to bring Fernandes, then still a Sporting player, to north London.

Fernandes was desperate to make the move but Sporting held firm. Six months later, he signed for United.

“Obviously I wanted to go to the Premier League,” Fernandes told The Athletic, reflecting on that period.

“The [Tottenham] manager, Mauricio Pochettino, was the one who wanted me there. It was a good offer but Sporting tried their best to keep me.

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