Manchester United have yet to officially announce their next manager, but attention is already turning to how he could influence the January transfer window. TEAMtalk reports that two players Mauricio Pochettino knows well are on the club's wanted list.
Both worked with the Argentine during his time in charge of the United States national team. Pochettino is reportedly set to replace Michael Carrick, who was sacked on Thursday.
United are understood to have reached a verbal agreement in principle with the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager, although no official appointment has been announced.
The transfer links are therefore particularly interesting, as they offer a possible indication of the players he could want at Old Trafford. Pochettino's familiarity with both players could work in their favour, having seen them develop and perform at international level.
However, their situations are different. Folarin Balogun could offer a more immediate solution to United's attacking problems, while Alex Freeman looks like a longer-term option.
Why Folarin Balogun Is The More Urgent Target
Balogun is the more advanced of the two links. TEAMtalk reports that his representatives have told United that Pochettino's expected arrival makes a move to Old Trafford more appealing. The striker's camp is also interested in exploring the possibility.
Monaco are reportedly willing to consider a January sale and would prefer a permanent transfer. A loan with suitable conditions has also been mentioned.
Balogun's situation in France could help United's chances. His proposed £40 million move to Everton collapsed just before the transfer deadline. Reports at the time said he was unhappy with how the club had handled the negotiations.
His playing time has suffered since then. He was left out of Monaco's Conference League squad shortly after the failed transfer and did not feature again until he came on as a substitute against Lens on 18 September.
TEAMtalk reports that he is yet to start a Ligue 1 match this season, while 20-year-old Paris Brunner has scored six goals.
Balogun has shown what he can offer when given a regular role. He finished last season with 13 goals and four assists in 30 Ligue 1 appearances, as well as five goals in the Champions League.
United could use that kind of contribution. They have taken just eight points from their first 10 Premier League games and are in the relegation zone. A striker who can provide goals and give the attack another option would be a welcome addition.
Alex Freeman Is A Longer-Term Option
Freeman is a different kind of target. The 21-year-old right-back plays for Villarreal, and TEAMtalk reports that United have been monitoring his progress. Pochettino is also said to rate him highly.
There is no indication that United have approached, so this looks more like an ongoing scouting interest than a transfer close to taking shape.
Freeman's rise has been quick. Pochettino handed him his first senior United States call-up in June 2025, and he went on to score twice in a 5-1 win over Uruguay that November. He also started for the USA at the 2026 World Cup.
His performances at club level have attracted attention as well. Sports Illustrated reported that he impressed in La Liga during the autumn and earned a regular place in Villarreal's starting line-up.
Signing him would not be straightforward. Villarreal have him under contract until 2032 after reportedly paying close to $7 million to bring him in from Orlando City. The Spanish club would therefore be in a strong position to negotiate any potential sale.
Balogun and Freeman are at very different stages in their situations. Monaco's willingness to consider a sale, combined with the striker's reported interest in a move, makes Balogun the more immediate possibility.
Freeman, meanwhile, appears to be a player United are keeping tabs on.
Pochettino has yet to be officially appointed, and neither transfer is guaranteed. But if he takes charge at Old Trafford, his knowledge of both players could help shape United's recruitment plans for January and beyond.
