Neville urges Pochettino to seek safeguards before accepting Man United job

Gary Neville has urged Mauricio Pochettino to secure contractual protection and transfer commitments before agreeing to manage Manchester United. The club are considering a new direction after Michael Carrick’s departure, with United 18th in the Premier League and in the relegation zone.

Speaking on The Overlap, the former United captain outlined three conditions he believes Pochettino should demand: substantial compensation if dismissed, two new center-backs during January and an agreed minimum transfer budget for next summer. Pochettino remains a possible appointment rather than a confirmed successor.

Neville said INEOS needed to commit resources to rebuilding the squad, arguing that January defensive additions alone would not be sufficient. He said Pochettino should decline the role unless the club guarantees summer funding that matches his plans.

The Sky Sports pundit cited United’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa as evidence of the defensive problems. United ended that match with Diogo Dalot on the left, Noussair Mazraoui on the right, and Leny Yoro alongside Ayden Heaven in central defense. Neville questioned the quality of that combination and said a new manager would need reinforcements to address the squad’s shortcomings.