Ethan is a football journalist at Football FanCast specialising in opinion-led features, tactical analysis and Premier League coverage. A graduate of the University of Derby's Football Journalism course, he has developed experience covering multiple levels of English football, from non-league to the Premier League.  

Ethan began his career as a media assistant at Mickleover Sports and an EFL reporter for VAVEL. After graduating in 2023, he spent six months covering the Premier League for GRV Media before joining Football FanCast in February 2024.
 

Since joining the publication, Ethan has focused on producing in-depth football features, combining statistical analysis with informed opinions on players, clubs and performances. A lifelong Nottingham Forest supporter and season-ticket holder, he brings first-hand experience of matchday football and a strong understanding of the issues affecting supporters to his writi

As the old saying goes, as one door closes, another opens - and that is exactly the case at Manchester United, as Mauricio Pochettino has been selected to replace Michael Carrick.

The Argentine has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford, with the hope that he can finally bring the glory days back to the club in the near future.

The Red Devils are now on a 13-year run without a title - a simply unthinkable feat given the achievements won by Sir Alex Ferguson during his own time at the club.

However, if the 54-year-old is to be a success in the role, he will have to get the best out of the players currently at his disposal until January at the very least.

The Man Utd players who could thrive under Pochettino

Throughout his managerial career, Pochettino has often operated with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which places a huge emphasis on his players being physically fit.

As a result, wing-back Patrick Dorgu could well benefit from the manager’s system, with the Dane a player who has demonstrated his tireless energy down the left-hand side.

The 22-year-old has covered the joint-most distance of any player in the Red Devils’ senior ranks this campaign, and has also offered an end product - as seen with his tally of one goal and two assists.

He’s certainly not the only player to benefit from the 54-year-old’s arrival, with winger Shea Lacey another who could thrive under his demanding system.

The Englishman has impressed with his direct nature with the ball at his feet, which has often seen him cut inside off the right and onto his favoured left foot.

Such a skillset is perfect for Pochettino’s philosophy, with the manager liking his wingers to drift inside to allow the full-backs to make overlapping runs into the final third.

Both of the players will have a huge opportunity to kickstart their careers in Manchester, with the duo arguably the players who could ignite the new boss’ tenure.

How Pochettino could have his next Dele Alli at United

During his time as Tottenham Hotspur manager, Pochettino worked his magic and took the top-level career of attacking midfielder Dele Alli to astronomical levels.

The Englishman managed to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year titles under his guidance, after registering 71 goal contributions in his 131 appearances under his guidance.

Such a period working under the 54-year-old was undoubtedly the best of his professional career, and one that saw many tip the attacker to be one of the best in world football.

However, off-the-field issues undoubtedly contributed to his demise, with Pochettino needing to have a similar impact with current United star Marcus Rashford.

The Englishman is undoubtedly a top-level attacking talent, but one who is certainly lacking the confidence needed to be an elite-level talent in the modern game.

His own off-the-field issues have contributed to his struggles, which have seen him spend two separate loan spells away from Old Trafford in recent years.

However, the arrival of Pochettino could hand him the perfect platform needed for success, as the Argentine is the perfect manager to get the best out of struggling talents.

It’s been reported by multiple sources that the new Red Devils boss has “always loved” the 29-year-old throughout his career and is relishing the opportunity to work with him.

A positive relationship between the pair could see the best out of Rashford once again, which in turn could see him emulate his feats of 2022/23 - where he netted 30 goals in all competitions.

Should he manage to transform his fortunes, it could offer the club a needed top-level talent, with such struggles being evident in the aforementioned department this term.

It could see another Dele situation unfold for Pochettino, who once again has the opportunity to inject needed confidence and support into a struggling player to take his career to the next level.