Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with the Manchester United job on several occasions, but the possibility of finally taking charge at Old Trafford has returned to the conversation.
The Argentine has previously enjoyed success in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton, building teams recognised for their intensity, attacking football and ability to press opponents high up the pitch.
His preferred 4-2-3-1 formation could provide a starting point for United, offering a balance between defensive protection and attacking freedom.
With several talented players already at the club, there are some intriguing possibilities when considering how Pochettino could set up his side.
How could Pochettino set up Manchester United?
Pochettino has regularly favoured a 4-2-3-1, although he has also used a 4-3-3 during his managerial career.
His system typically relies on an energetic double pivot, attacking full-backs and wide forwards who can move inside to create space for overlapping runs.
That approach could suit several members of United's squad, with the following XI offering a potential look at how the Argentine could line up at Old Trafford.
Goalkeeper – Senne Lammens
Senne Lammens could retain his place between the posts under a new manager, with the Belgian offering United a long-term option in goal.
Pochettino's teams look to build attacks from the back, meaning his goalkeeper must be comfortable distributing possession and helping the side progress through the first phase.
Lammens would therefore have an important role beyond making saves, particularly when United are looking to play through an opponent's press.
Right-back – Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot could be an important part of Pochettino's system, particularly because of the attacking responsibility placed on his full-backs.
During his time at Tottenham, Pochettino regularly relied on the likes of Kyle Walker and Danny Rose to provide width and stretch opposition defences.
Dalot's ability to move forward and support attacks could make him a suitable option on the right, while his defensive work would remain important when United lose possession.
Centre-back – Leny Yoro
Leny Yoro could be one of the first names on the teamsheet if Pochettino takes charge.
The young defender offers pace and mobility across the back line, qualities that could be particularly useful when playing with a higher defensive line.
Pochettino's sides have often looked to press aggressively and recover possession further up the pitch, leaving space behind the defence that centre-backs must be capable of covering.
Yoro's athleticism could make him a valuable option in that system.
Centre-back – Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez could partner Yoro, providing a different profile at the heart of the defence.
The Argentine is comfortable in possession and capable of progressing the ball through the lines, which would suit Pochettino's preference for building attacks from the back.
His aggression and willingness to step into midfield could also help United win possession higher up the pitch.
A partnership between Martinez and Yoro would offer a combination of technical ability, mobility and defensive aggression.
Left-back – Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw could be another familiar face for Pochettino, having previously worked under the Argentine at Southampton.
The pair's previous connection could make the defender an interesting option, particularly given the attacking demands of the left-back role.
Pochettino likes his full-backs to push forward and provide width, allowing wide attackers to move into central areas.
Shaw's ability to contribute in possession could make him a natural fit, although maintaining his availability would be important across a demanding season.
Central midfield – Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba could provide the physical presence and defensive energy required in Pochettino's double pivot.
The midfielder's ability to cover ground, compete in duels and carry possession would be valuable in a system that demands intensity both with and without the ball.
Pochettino expects his central midfielders to support the press while protecting the defence when the full-backs advance.
Baleba could therefore be tasked with providing the defensive balance that allows United's more attacking players to operate with greater freedom.
Central midfield – Kobbie Mainoo
Alongside Baleba, Kobbie Mainoo could offer the technical quality needed to control possession and connect the different areas of the pitch.
The England international is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and progressing play through midfield, making him a potential partner for a more defensively minded player.
The balance between Mainoo's composure and Baleba's physicality could be particularly important, allowing United to compete in midfield without sacrificing their ability to build attacks.
Attacking midfield – Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes would be a natural candidate for the No.10 position.
Pochettino's 4-2-3-1 at Tottenham often featured Dele Alli in an advanced role behind Harry Kane, with the midfielder making forward runs and arriving in dangerous areas.
Fernandes could perform a similar function, operating between the opposition's midfield and defence while looking to create chances for the forwards.
His passing range, creativity and willingness to take risks could make him central to United's attacking approach.
Right wing – Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo could occupy the right side of Pochettino's attacking three, offering a direct threat while also moving inside to combine with Fernandes.
Pochettino has often encouraged his wide attackers to drift into central areas, creating space for overlapping full-backs to advance.
Mbeumo's ability to carry the ball, attack defenders and contribute in front of goal could make him a useful option in that role.
His work rate would also be important, with Pochettino demanding significant effort from his forwards when pressing without possession.
Left wing – Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha could provide the attacking unpredictability on the opposite flank.
The Brazilian is capable of carrying the ball into dangerous areas, linking with teammates and drifting into central positions to create opportunities.
That freedom could be particularly effective alongside Shaw, whose forward runs would help maintain width on the left.
Cunha's ability to operate across the forward line could also allow him to rotate positions with Fernandes and the centre-forward during attacking phases.
Striker – Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko could lead the line as Pochettino's central striker.
The Slovenian offers a physical presence, pace in behind and the potential to develop into a focal point for United's attack.
Pochettino has previously helped Harry Kane develop into one of the Premier League's leading forwards, with the striker's ability to drop deeper and link play becoming an important part of Tottenham's attacking approach.
Sesko could be encouraged to offer a similar connection between midfield and attack, while also using his movement and physical qualities to stretch opposition defences.
With Fernandes operating behind him and Mbeumo and Cunha providing support from either side, the striker could have plenty of opportunities to influence games.
