What Mauricio Pochettino said after missing out on Man United job to Erik ten Hag speaks volumes

Mauricio Pochettino hinted that there could be another opportunity for him to become Manchester United manager in the future after missing out on the role to Erik ten Hag in 2022.

After Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked at the end of 2021, Ralf Rangnick was appointed as the interim boss as the Reds regrouped and looked towards who their next manager would be. Quickly, it became clear that a two-horse race had emerged between Ten Hag and Pochettino.

Following much deliberation, the Glazers opted to appoint the Ajax manager. This decision was welcomed by supporters at the time considering Pochettino was in the midst of a nightmare stint at PSG.

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While the Argentine would eventually be sacked by the Parisiens, he did not hold any ill will towards United for not going with him. In fact, he was philosophical about the opportunity to move to Old Trafford coming around again one day.

In an interview with Radio Marca, he explained: "Football is timing. These are the moments for it to coincide and for that marriage to happen. Sometimes it's just a matter 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.

"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. That routine that is generated when you are at work is created as a result of the adrenaline of day-to-day. You miss it."

Now, Pochettino's prediction looks like it could come true after Chelsea announced they had parted ways with the Argentine following a meeting with the club's sporting directors. Since then, punters have flocked to back the 52-year-old to become the next manager of United should Sir Jim Ratcliffe choose to sack Ten Hag.

Bet365 has slashed their odds and now lists Pochettino as their favourite to become the next boss at Old Trafford. The Manchester Evening News understands that Ten Hag is facing an uncertain future at United, although the club is operating under the working assumption he will be in charge next season.