Gary Lineker predicts short Manchester United reign for Mauricio Pochettino

Gary Lineker has warned Mauricio Pochettino that Manchester United’s problems could undermine his chances of enjoying a successful spell at Old Trafford, predicting that the Argentine may not last 18 months in the job.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, as reported by GOAL⁠, the former England striker questioned the club’s leadership and recruitment, arguing that successive managers have been made scapegoats for deeper structural issues.

“I see Pochettino going in there, and I think they’ll probably get off to a reasonable start, and they’ll do okay for a while,” Lineker said.

“‘I think for Pochettino, it’s a big club, Manchester United, big by name. He’ll go on there, and then he’ll be disappointed with the way things occur in the future, and if he’s still there in 18 months, I’ll be surprised.”

Lineker also defended Michael Carrick, claiming United failed to back him adequately and criticised the club’s ownership. Pochettino’s first match is against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.