Man Utd ‘could turn to Massimiliano Allegri’ if they fail to tempt Mauricio Pochettino to replace under-fire Solskjaer

MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly added Massimiliano Allegri to their shortlist to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Mauricio Pochettino is another name linked to the Old Trafford dugout, should the club make a change.

Manchester United could turn to Massimiliano Allegri if they want to change managerCredit: Reuters

Mauricio Pochettino (left) is the favourite to replace the under-fire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (right)Credit: Reuters

Solskjaer, 47, is under mounting pressure after United’s poor start to the campaign.

Losses to Crystal Palace and Tottenham have heightened doubts over the Norwegian’s ability to push his team to the next level.

All that could change with convincing performances against Newcastle, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea this week.

But reports have emerged highlighting discontent around the club, pushing the board to consider ex-Tottenham boss Pochettino, 48.

And The Transfer Window podcast claim that Allegri, 53, could end his sabbatical to manage United.

However, it is said that Pochettino is ahead of the former Juventus coach as the Red Devils’ first-choice candidate.

Allegri led AC Milan to their most recent Scudetto in 2011 before a hugely successful spell with Juventus, winning Serie A five times and reaching the Champions League final.

Since leaving last year, the Italian has been linked with Roma, Juventus, Barcelona, Lazio, Arsenal, Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain – among others.

And, when asked about the Roma rumours on TV channel Rai earlier this month, he opened the door to a return to management.

Allegri remarked: “We’ll see, who knows. I’m just tired of not doing anything.”

Ahead of the trip to Newcastle on Saturday evening, Solskjaer called on his side to face up to the pressure.

He told reporters: “The spotlight should be on me, because I’m the manager and I’m responsible.

You have to be mentally strong. For me, this period is another chance to prove that.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

“Last season was also hard, we played nine games and only won first of the two nine games, which was difficult.

“But if you’re part of Manchester United as a player or staff, you’re used to this and you have to be mentally strong. For me, this period is another chance to prove that.

“It’s about being focused for the next game, because I know they’re capable of getting results and moving up the table.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk