Mauricio Pochettino’s Manchester United to-do list

Mauricio Pochettino, the new head coach of Manchester United, will start his tenure at Old Trafford on November 18. The Argentine manager will inherit a club in dire straits, currently 18th in the Premier League and at risk of relegation. Pochettino is tasked with turning around a team that has only eight points from 10 games, the lowest tally for a Premier League season since 1983.

Defensively, United has been a mess, conceding 30 goals across all competitions, the most in the top five European leagues. Their defense has failed to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens and other players making glaring mistakes. The injuries, especially to left-back Luke Shaw, have further exacerbated the issue.

Up front, United lacks attacking options. Their first-choice striker, Benjamin Sesko, has been absent since mid-September, leaving Bryan Mbeumo and other forwards to pick up the slack. Marcus Rashford and Matheus Cunha have struggled to find the net, adding to United's goal shortage.

The toxic atmosphere at Manchester United is another pressing issue. The club has had eight different managers since 2013, and fans are demanding a change in ownership. The Glazers, the club's majority owners, have been heavily criticized for their debt-funded takeover, which they believe has burdened the club. The club's hierarchy has also been under fire for repeated changes in leadership, which fans feel have hindered progress.

Furthermore, captain Bruno Fernandes' future remains uncertain. The veteran midfielder, despite his stellar form in the 2025/26 season, has been below par recently and reportedly rejected a new contract offer. His departure would leave a significant void in the team, making it crucial for Pochettino to secure his future. Finally, Pochettino will need to implement a tactical change.

United's fans are frustrated with the under-performance, as evidenced by their jeers during last month's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth. Pochettino must stabilize the team and convince his players that his high-pressing, dynamic tactics are the way to get United out of the relegation zone.