Man Utd choose three top targets to be first Pochettino signing as INEOS decide two January priorities

According to reports, Manchester United have a three-man shortlist to potentially be Mauricio Pochettino’s first signing in January.

In recent days, it has emerged that Man Utd are planning to move past current head coach Michael Carrick, who Pochettino is now set to replace.

Pochettino is a long-term Man Utd target and he is finally on the brink of joining the Red Devils, and he has a huge job on his hands at Old Trafford.

The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and PSG boss will join Man Utd with them sitting 18th in the Premier League table after winning only three of their first 15 games this season in all competitions.

Man Utd need a manager with far more experience and tactical acumen than Carrick, and Pochettino fits that billing.

However, Carrick is far from solely to blame for Man Utd’s embarrassing start to this season, as he was not backed enough in this summer’s transfer window.

Man Utd spent around £150m to strengthen their midfield with the signings of Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but they did not improve other positions.

This has left Man Utd short at left-back, centre-back, left-wing and up front, and their poor start to the season makes them more likely to add to their squad in this winter transfer window.

This was likely with or without Carrick, and Pochettino is fully expected to be given more players to work with in January and The Daily Mail has revealed their plans.

Man Utd eye two January signings as first arrival for Mauricio Pochettino named

The report claims Man Utd want to sign a striker and a centre-back in January, and club chiefs have a three-man shortlist to be their next centre-back addition.

It is also said that any new striker is likely to join on loan rather than permanently.

The report explains: