Liverpool legend and football pundit Jamie Redknapp opens up on what Mauricio Pochettino must do to revive Manchester United.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Redknapp suggested that Mauricio Pochettino must improve Manchester United’s fitness levels and shore up their defence if he is to turn the club’s fortunes around.
The former Liverpool midfielder believes the new manager will struggle to make a significant difference until given the opportunity to bring in players who suit his requirements.
Pochettino has officially been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach and is scheduled to take charge on November 18, inheriting a squad that has struggled for consistency this season, with defensive weaknesses and a lack of athleticism among the concerns that need addressing.
Jamie Redknapp comments on Manchester United’s recent struggles
Redknapp insisted that United’s problems cannot be resolved simply by changing the manager. He believes the club must provide Pochettino with the backing required to reshape the team.
“Until you give Pochettino the opportunity to buy the players that he needs, it’s going to be the same problems,” Redknapp said.
The former midfielder was particularly critical of United’s physical condition and defensive performances. He suggested that the team have regularly been unable to match their opponents’ intensity, making it difficult to compete consistently.
Redknapp questioned the standards of fitness within the team, arguing that United cannot expect to achieve better results while regularly covering considerably less ground than their opponents.
“I don’t usually like it when managers come in and say, ‘Oh, they weren’t fit enough.’ But it’s a fact. You don’t get run out every game by six or seven kilometres and expect to win football matches. That just doesn’t happen,” he added.
“They need to find some athleticism in that team and certainly buy better players. But obviously with financial fair play, it’s not always that easy.
“But it’s glaringly obvious they need better defenders and obviously they need better recruitment because a lot of the players they’ve brought in haven’t been good enough.
“Mauricio is probably better off calling himself an interim manager because then at least the players might run for him.”
The former English international believes United need to recruit more athletic players and improve the overall quality of their team. However, he acknowledged that financial restrictions could complicate their efforts to bring in several new faces.
What Mauricio Pochettino could look to do during January
United’s defensive department looks particularly vulnerable heading into the next transfer window. The club were linked with left-backs and centre-backs during the summer but ultimately failed to strengthen either position. Instead, the club brought in three midfielders, who have yet to consistently deliver the expected impact.
Pochettino will therefore have a clear need to prioritise defensive reinforcements in the January window, with a versatile centre-back and left-back among the likely targets.
There could also be movement in attack as Benjamin Sesko is currently sidelined with injury, while Joshua Zirkzee is not considered part of the club’s long-term plans.
United currently find themselves in the relegation zone with just eight points in their 10 league outings. Overall, they have only won three out of their 15 outings in all competitions, and they also went through a run of nine games without a win.
They find themselves in a very difficult position, and turning things around quickly could be very challenging for the new manager, whose first assignment will be a trip to Anfield to face rivals Liverpool.