Mauricio Pochettino could be heading back to the Premier League – but a return to Tottenham Hotspur is not the destination being discussed.

The former Spurs manager has emerged as Manchester United’s leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick, with ESPN reporting that the Old Trafford hierarchy are increasingly leaning towards a change after a dreadful start to the season.

Pochettino emerges as Manchester United favourite

According to ESPN, Pochettino is viewed as the preferred option to take over if United decide to part company with Carrick.

United are in serious trouble, sitting in the Premier League relegation zone after winning just once in their opening 10 league matches.

Carrick was handed a permanent two-year contract in the summer after guiding the club to Champions League qualification as interim boss, but results have deteriorated sharply this season.

Pochettino, 54, is currently in charge of the United States national team. He signed a new contract in August that is set to run until the 2030 World Cup, having led the hosts to the last 16 at this summer’s tournament.

However, ESPN report that his deal includes an exit clause, potentially making a move back to club management possible. The Argentine has also reportedly been interviewed for the Manchester United job on three previous occasions.

A familiar name for Tottenham supporters

Pochettino remains a hugely popular figure among Tottenham supporters after transforming the club during his five-year spell in north London.

He took Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019 and helped establish a team that regularly challenged at the top end of the Premier League.

His departure later that year brought an emotional end to one of the most memorable periods of the club’s modern era.

A move to Old Trafford would therefore be a surprising next chapter for a manager who remains fondly remembered by so many Spurs fans.