Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate for the Manchester United job, with the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager potentially heading back to the Premier League.

The Argentine has previously built a reputation for developing players and getting the best out of his squads, with his man-management likely to be an important factor should he take charge at Old Trafford.

And Moises Caicedo has already offered an insight into what United's players could expect from working under Pochettino, having experienced the manager's support during a difficult period at Chelsea.

Caicedo reveals how Pochettino helped him through Chelsea struggles

Caicedo arrived at Stamford Bridge from Brighton in a £115million deal in the summer of 2023, but admitted that adjusting to the expectations surrounding his transfer was not straightforward.

Speaking to reporters during his first year at Chelsea, the Ecuador international explained how the pressure of playing for a club of that size affected his confidence.

"At the beginning it was tough for me to be at such a big club. With the price, you always have to win every game and it was tough for me because in Brighton the pressure was less. In Chelsea it is different," he said, as reported by Hayters.

"I felt a lot of pressure, it was really tough for me at the beginning to be there, but after the last four or five months I felt more comfortable in the club."

The midfielder also credited Pochettino and his coaching staff for helping him through that difficult spell, revealing that he had approached them when he felt he was not performing to his ability.

"A lot of people around me helped me. I came to [Pochettino's staff] when I felt that I was not the same Moises, and asked please help me to show my quality, my football."

His comments provide an insight into the importance Pochettino placed on supporting players who were struggling to settle, rather than allowing the pressure surrounding their performances to take over.

Pochettino's support helped Caicedo rebuild confidence

Caicedo also explained that he received additional support away from the club, working with someone who helped him manage the mental pressure of playing at the highest level.

The midfielder revealed that they would analyse his performances after matches, with the aim of rebuilding his self-belief.

"I have a person with me outside the club who helps me a lot to get the pressure out of my mind," he explained.

He added: "I have the quality, I know the player I am, but if you are not strong in your mind it is difficult."

The 24-year-old's comments highlighted how much confidence can influence performances, particularly for a young player arriving at a major club with a substantial transfer fee attached to his name.

Although Pochettino's time at Chelsea ended in May 2024, Caicedo's experience offers a reminder of the approach the Argentine took when dealing with players under pressure.

What could Pochettino bring to Manchester United?

Pochettino's potential appointment at Manchester United would place renewed attention on his ability to improve individual players and establish a positive environment within the dressing room.

Caicedo's experience suggests that communication and personal support were important parts of his coaching approach at Chelsea, particularly when players were struggling with expectations.

The midfielder also spoke positively about the demands placed on him by his subsequent manager, Enzo Maresca, who wanted him to take greater responsibility within the team.

"He wants me to show my quality, have a good personality, show my teammates that I am the boss on the pitch," Caicedo said.

For Manchester United, where several players have faced scrutiny over their performances, Pochettino's previous experience of helping footballers overcome difficult periods could prove valuable.

Caicedo's testimony does not guarantee success at Old Trafford, but it offers a glimpse into how the former Chelsea boss approached one of his players when confidence was at its lowest.