Manchester United look very likely to head into next weekend’s Anfield clash with Liverpool under the guidance of a new manager.

After leading the Red Devils into the relegation places after 10 Premier League matches, Michael Carrick has been relieved of his duties and is likely to be replaced by former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Iraola has never beaten Pochettino

The hiring of Pochettino is unlikely to strike too much fear into Liverpool supporters who have been enjoying the sustained downfall of Man United ever since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

The 54-year-old was once seen as being a top manager, but his stock has fallen dramatically since leaving Tottenham seven years ago. Currently in charge of the US Men’s National Team, he is not exactly operating at the very pinnacle of the game, as he was for a long time.

Part of the reason for Pochettino being viewed as a bit of a busted flush was his one-year spell at Chelsea. The Blues finished sixth under his guidance, memorably losing the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool’s kids in dramatic circumstances.

Despite his struggles at Chelsea, though, Pochettino had some joy against Iraola’s Bournemouth, drawing 0-0 with them at the Vitality Stadium as part of the Basque’s 10-game winless run in September having just joined the Cherries, and winning 2-1 in the return game at Stamford Bridge on the penultimate match of the season.

With Iraola yet to get the better of Pochettino, and Liverpool having won only once at Anfield so far this season, losing against Man City and Arsenal already, Reds fans will be wary of a United backlash on their soil. On the back of losing twice against the old enemy last term, they cannot afford to be beaten again.

One positive is that Pochettino has a poor record against Liverpool overall, losing 11 of the 19 matches he has managed against the Reds. He has won at Anfield before, with Southampton way back in September 2013, but has not won in eight visits since, losing six times.

Another encouraging sign for Liverpool comes via statistician Michael Reid, who reports that, if he does take charge for United at Anfield, Pochettino will become the 14th manager to make their Premier League debut for a new club at the Reds’ stadium. Of the 13 to come before, only Roberto De Zerbi has escaped without defeat, drawing 3-3 at Anfield with Brighton in October 2022.

Nevertheless, there is always trepidation over facing United, and with his record against Iraola in his back pocket, there is no better match for Pochettino to immediately win over his new fans. Liverpool will be favourites, but this has the potential to be an enormous banana skin.