Sir Alex Ferguson has already given Mauricio Pochettino verdict before Man United decision

Mauricio Pochettino has been installed as the favourite to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager following his Chelsea exit - and Sir Alex Ferguson has previously dubbed the Argentine as ‘fantastic’.

Pochettino, 52, has left Chelsea after a solitary season in charge with his departure having been confirmed on Tuesday. It comes at a time when Ten Hag’s position is under pressure as United enter a new era under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

United contest the FA Cup final against Manchester City this weekend but recorded their lowest ever Premier League finish. The club’s hierarchy are considering a change in the dugout and have taken an interest in potential candidates such as Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, a former coach at Old Trafford.

Unsurprisingly, Pochettino’s name is now being connected with United given his availability and experience in the Premier League. Pochettino made it down to a final shortlist of two to become United boss two years ago, but the Glazers opted for Ten Hag instead.

That was when Pochettino had just left Paris Saint-Germain, having spent five years in charge at Tottenham. It was during his time as Spurs boss that Pochettino made a favourable impression on Ferguson.

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After a clash in 2016, the legendary Reds boss delivered a glowing assessment of Pochettino’s ability as a manager.

“Well the manager has been fantastic,” said Ferguson, who was in charge of United at the time. “They have a bad record of managers, there is no doubt about that. They have had so many over the years, but this lad has composure.

“You never see him ruffled and the way his team play is a testimony to the work he is doing. The most important thing for English football is how many English and young players are in his team.

“He understands the advantage of playing young people. They won't let you down and they have been fantastic.

“[Dele] Alli, [Harry] Kane, [Ryan] Mason, [Danny] Rose, [Eric] Dier, all English players. [Kyle] Walker, the right back , although he has been there for a bit longer.”

Pochettino gave his view on missing out on the United job in 2022 in an interview with Spanish media. He said: "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."