Kevin Phillips has told Manchester United to appoint a manager who has won titles rather than Mauricio Pochettino.
Manchester United are still embroiled in confusion over their managerial problem. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has overseen a dismal period at the club after back to back home defeats, first to Liverpool, then Manchester City. His recent record of three losses in four games has put his job on the line.
Many expected the Norwegian to be sacked after the dismal 5-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford. Solskjaer has somehow carried on with his job. The club looked destined to replace the Norwegian with Antonio Conte, who has since taken over at Spurs.
Solskjaer might be on borrowed time at the club, with the next few results set to determine his future in the dugout. During the international break, several names have been linked by the media. Ajax’s Erik Ten Hag, Leicester City’s Brendan Rodgers and long time target Mauricio Pochettino have all seen their names taken as potential replacements for the Norwegian at Old Trafford.
Pochettino has seen himself linked with the Manchester United job since his days as Tottenham boss. However, there are doubts whether the Argentine will leave the PSG project where he has a glittering squad including Lionel Messi and Neymar at his disposal. Yet, he will be considered for the job if the Red Devils decide to part ways with Solskjaer.
Kevin Phillips, however, thinks Manchester United should stay away from the idea of appointing Pochettino. The former Premier League striker argues the club needs someone with trophies to show on their CVs.
Phillips told Football Insider that he admires the PSG boss, although he asked Manchester United to consider the fact that he never won any titles for all his good work at Spurs.
Phillips said, “He did a great job at Tottenham but he never won anything. It is a big gamble putting someone in charge who does not have that experience of winning something. At least when Mourinho came in, he won the Europa League. He put a trophy in the cabinet, and that is what he does.
“For a club the size of Man United, they need trophies, no matter what they are. When you lay all of your hopes on a manager who has never won a trophy, it is concerning. I would rather see someone come in who has won trophies.”
Manchester United will face Watford in the Premier League before Solskjaer pits his wits against Chelsea and Arsenal. These games are likely to determine his long-term future at the club, as defeats will put him under tremendous pressure.