Mauricio Pochettino is set to become the next Manchester United head coach - and he has one huge problem to fix. The Argentine has agreed to replace Michael Carrick and return to the Premier League, two-and-a-half years since he was sacked by Chelsea.

United have won just one of their opening 10 Premier League matches and sit inside the relegation zone going into the November international break. CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox recommended a change in the dugout to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS during a meeting in Monaco on Tuesday, with Carrick's time at Old Trafford coming to an end.

Pochettino has since been identified as Carrick's replacement with United in the process of triggering his £7.5million release clause at the United States national team. Should his appointment be confirmed, as expected, the ex-Tottenham and Chelsea boss has one major task to solve at Old Trafford, and that is having to deal with the gaping left-back dilemma.

Diogo Dalot has deputised in Luke Shaw's absence on the left side of the back four, but has struggled and was subject to strong criticism following Sunday's 4-4 draw against Aston Villa. Shaw suffered a muscle injury last month, and although he is nearing a return to fitness, United are expected to look at adding a new left-back in January.

Pochettino Can Unleash Forgotten Man

In the meantime, Pochettino can unleash a forgotten United star who has been restricted to just 29 minutes across all competitions this season. Harry Amass is the man in question, but the 19-year-old hasn't been handed a regular chance during Carrick's tenure, featuring off the bench against Sabah and Como.

Amass, who has been in the matchday squad six times this campaign, was introduced as a 72nd minute substitute in the 4-0 thrashing of Sabah in September before coming on for 11 minutes against Como last month.

With Dalot having a difficult time at left-back and Shaw spending the last five weeks out injured, it's a no-brainer for Pochettino to bring Amass back into the limelight and give him a chance to impress. The 2007-born defender impressed on loan in the Championship last season and has the credentials to do the same in the Premier League, should he be given the platform.

Erik ten Hag gave Amass his breakthrough pre-season at United in 2024 and there was a feeling that he would get a run in the team for the upcoming campaign. Though that didn't prove to be the case, he now has more experience under his belt and has developed into a place that would allow him to shine in United's first-team.

Amass started the 1-1 pre-season draw against Leeds United in August and stood out, keeping both Dan James and Brenden Aaronson quiet on that side. He didn't look out of place, both from a technical and a physical standpoint.

United fans have been calling for Amass to get a chance, having been left out of the squad for the game against Villa, but now with Pochettino arriving he could be reintroduced into the team. Pochettino likes working with young British players, having brought Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Harry Kane through at Tottenham, as well as helping Conor Gallagher at Chelsea.

Even Shaw, Callum Chambers and Nathaniel Clyne were the beneficiaries of Pochettino's trust in young talent at Southampton, and he made them three better players and gave them the platform to have the careers they did. Pochettino could have the same impact with Amass, and if he does, it is going to improve United's back-line, there is no doubt about that.

Dalot was at fault for at least two of Villa's four goals in the high-scoring draw at Old Trafford, and the United fans have been crying out for someone else at left-back. Due to the fact he has come from the club's academy and even featured in the 1-1 draw at Burnley on Sunday, he would be welcomed if he was to get the call-up.