The immediate challenge is survival. Being in the relegation zone leaves little room for a slow start, and Pochettino would inherit a side needing points as well as a clearer identity. His teams have often been associated with energetic pressing and intense training, but imposing those demands mid-season will depend on how quickly the squad responds.
The reported contract length also points beyond a short-term fix. A two-and-a-half-year commitment would give the club a chance to plan for recovery and rebuild, provided results improve quickly enough to make that longer view possible.
Pochettino has worked at clubs where expectations are high, including Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. That experience may help him handle scrutiny, but it does not guarantee an instant turnaround. United’s league position, as described in the report, makes the first stretch of his tenure more urgent than any long-term project.
For the club, the change would also put the spotlight on the players. A new manager can reset roles and raise intensity, but the response on the pitch will decide whether the move changes United’s trajectory.
The reported agreement remains a single-source claim, so the details should be treated cautiously until confirmed. If Pochettino does arrive after the international break, his first priority will be turning that precarious league position into a run of results that gives United breathing room.