Wayne Rooney backs Mauricio Pochettino to become next Manchester United manager

'If I'm choosing from one of them two, I'd go Pochettino.'

Wayne Rooney has suggested that Manchester United should appoint Mauricio Pochettino as the club's next permanent manager. The Paris Saint-Germain boss is said to be one of the leading candidates for the permanent managerial role at Old Trafford in the summer when interim manager Ralf Rangnick takes up a consultancy role. While Ajax chief Erik ten Hag is touted by many as the preferred option for the Red Devils, former United striker Rooney believes that his old club should target Pochettino.

'Pochettino has done it in the Premier League' - Rooney

The Derby County boss, speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, said: "I think Pochettino has done it in the Premier League, he knows the Premier League, at Tottenham he brought a lot of young players through, at Southampton he brought a lot of young players through as well. "If I'm choosing between from one of them two [Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag], that's who I'd chose, I'd go with Pochettino, and give him time, for managers now, they need time to come in and actually put their blueprint on the club and the team." https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1511044556388814855 He added: "Pochettino, in my opinion, is a top manager. He knows how to work with top class players but also young players. "They [Manchester United] need to get that blend right because they can't afford to fail again."

Man United dressing room 'split' over Ten Hag

Ten Hag is thought to be on a shortlist alongside Pochettino, who has also met with United officials. It is also thought that the former Tottenham Hotspur boss was the favoured pick among the majority of players two months ago. Now, reports are suggesting that United's dressing room is split over the potential appointment of ten Hag as the club's next permanent manager. Several players are reportedly excited by the prospect of being coached by Ten Hag, however, others believe that the 52-year-old is viewed as an 'underwhelming' choice. Related links.

• Wayne Rooney gives honest opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Man United.
• Ralf Rangnick lists everything that is wrong with Man United.
• Manchester United dressing room 'split' over potential appointment of Erik ten Hag.