Gary Neville has urged Mauricio Pochettino to secure guarantees from Manchester United before taking the head coach’s job, including protection against an early dismissal and funds to strengthen the squad.
Michael Carrick was sacked on Thursday after United managed one win in their last 10 matches. The club are in the Premier League relegation zone, and Pochettino is reportedly lined up to replace him.
Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Neville said Pochettino should protect himself in his contract with a substantial pay-off clause if United dismiss him. He also advised the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager to insist on reinforcements before accepting the role.
Neville wants defensive signings in January
Neville said United’s next manager should demand two defenders in January, pointing to the team’s current options at the back. He argued that the squad needs immediate strengthening if the club are to climb away from the relegation zone.
The former United defender also called for a guaranteed transfer budget next summer, saying Pochettino should not accept the job unless the club commits to backing him in the market.
“He’s got to insist that he gets a minimum budget next summer,” Neville said. “They have to give it to him or else he shouldn’t take the job.”
Neville was particularly critical of the defence United fielded in their recent match, describing the back four as among the weakest in the Premier League. His comments reflect a wider concern that the problems at Old Trafford go beyond the head coach.
Pochettino faces a major challenge at Old Trafford
United’s managerial position has become increasingly unstable since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, with Carrick the latest coach to leave after a poor run of results. Neville’s advice highlights the risk Pochettino would face if he took charge without clear backing from the club’s leadership.
The three protections Neville identified are a pay-off clause, two defensive signings in January and a firm transfer budget for next summer. He said the club would need to meet those demands or Pochettino should turn down the role.
Pochettino is currently the United States head coach, and reports say he is expected to take over at Old Trafford. Any appointment would place him under immediate pressure to improve results and move United out of the bottom three.
