Manchester United’s pursuit of a new manager has intensified after they were moments away from losing to Aston Villa – and Chelsea fans have reacted to the news that Mauricio Pochettino is a target.

Having conceded two goals inside the first four minutes on Saturday, criticism has come Michael Carrick’s way. Fans have started to turn on their former midfielder, despite the board taking the brunt of criticism.

In response, reports from TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook claims Mauricio Pochettino has been identified as a leading candidate to take over at Old Trafford. It is just over two years since the USA boss left Chelsea.

What Chelsea fans think of Pochettino joining Man United

Pochettino lasted a year in the Chelsea hot seat. He took a mediocre Chelsea side to sixth in the Premier League, as well as the Carabao Cup final and the semi-finals of the FA Cup. He won 26 of 51 matches.

A solid return, but at the end of that season, Pochettino would leave. He was replaced by Enzo Maresca, and has since taken over as United States manager, where he has won an impressive 21 of 35 matches.

Upon hearing the news that Pochettino could take over as Man United boss – if they pay the $10m exit clause in his contract – Chelsea fans have responded. Most think Pochettino would be a good arrival.

“Make it happen” was the reaction of another Chelsea fan, while one even posted: “Man United are going to have a better manager than us”. Clearly, Chelsea fans believe Pochettino would be a good choice.

Another Chelsea fan said: “Poch would get that attack and midfield playing their bests”, while another thinks Pochettino “would be decent for them”. The overriding feeling is that Pochettino improves United.

What is Pochettino’s record against Chelsea as a manager?

Pochettino’s record at Chelsea was impressive, in the midst of a turbulent spell under BlueCo as the likes of Todd Boehly learned on the job. But what is Pochettino’s record like when he’s played against Chelsea?

If he did take over as Man United manager – with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann also on their list of options as per Crook’s report – he would be in the dugout for the February 6 clash between the two sides.

Throughout his career, Pochettino has faced Chelsea a huge 17 times. The Argentine has only faced Man City and Liverpool more. During that time, he has won six times against Chelsea, but lost nine more times.