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Mauricio Pochettino will reportedly receive financial "support" from Manchester United in the January transfer window, with a new frontman expected to be high on his list of priorities.
It was all too overwhelming for Pochettino as he said goodbye to the U.S. men's national team, perhaps fully grasping what he had gotten himself into.
The Argentine has abandoned a relatively comfortable position on the international scene in exchange for a chaotic environment, yet the Manchester United role is one that has long appealed to Pochettino. The Red Devils have entertained the notion for nearly a decade, going back to when the 54-year-old was guiding Tottenham Hotspur toward Premier League title contention.
His appointment as Man Utd manager following Michael Carrick's harshly handled exit comes at a time when some consider him a relic of the past. His track record since departing north London is far from spectacular, yet Red Devils fans have every reason to feel optimistic. Pochettino, a gifted developer of talent, should at least restore a sense of hope to Old Trafford and potentially begin turning the club's fortunes around.
Immediate improvements are unlikely given Pochettino's demanding fitness standards, but Man Utd are reportedly willing to provide their new boss with the necessary resources in upcoming transfer windows to mold the Red Devils in the Argentine's vision.
The Telegraph reports that a new striker is on the agenda for January, following news of the full extent of Benjamin Šeško's shin injury last month. The Slovenian international is expected to return in the new year, but a more natural backup option is needed.
4. Eli Junior Kroupi
Eli Junior Kroupi might well have secured a lucrative transfer away from Bournemouth last summer had he not picked up a foot injury during preseason that necessitated surgery.
Kroupi delivered a record-setting debut season on the south coast, netting more goals than any other teenager in a single Premier League campaign. It was his 13th strike that helped clinch Arsenal's first league title in 22 years.
The Gunners subsequently showed interest in acquiring the young attacker amid their unsuccessful pursuit of a creative forward, but it was Tottenham Hotspur who made the most aggressive move during their ambitious summer window.
Despite his injury setback, interest in Kroupi is unlikely to diminish anytime soon. He offered a quick reminder of his ability upon his return in October, brilliantly teeing up Amine Adli for Bournemouth's second goal in a 2–0 victory over Leeds United.
Kroupi is a clinical finisher who outperforms his xG, but he's also an intelligent creator who operates effectively in the half-spaces. He's more of a 9.5 than a traditional No. 9, and it will cost a significant fee to persuade Bournemouth to part ways with him in January. Furthermore, other projects currently appear more attractive than Man Utd's, despite the new appointment in the dugout.
This may be a move the Red Devils revisit next summer, provided they steer clear of relegation...
3. Jean-Philippe Mateta
Clubs will always be drawn to the 'Premier League-proven' narrative. During their summer overhaul, for instance, Spurs exclusively recruited players already competing in the English top flight.
The idea is to eliminate any settling-in period and minimize risk, but such an approach offers no guarantees whatsoever.
Man Utd have shopped domestically in recent times. Their attacking rebuild featured Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in 2025, and the three midfielders they brought in over the summer all arrived from Premier League clubs.
So it wouldn't be surprising if INEOS continues to favor familiarity with 'the English game' at the outset of Pochettino's tenure. The division boasts several standout center forwards, though the very elite remain out of reach.
Man Utd would be eyeing the next tier down, where Jean-Philippe Mateta sits, with considerable interest. Mateta fits the physical profile Pochettino has historically preferred in his center forward, and there's nothing quite like a bit of corner flag celebration to lift spirits.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Mateta will almost certainly be available this winter. If United are seeking a Šeško backup rather than a direct replacement, the 29-year-old could prove to be a shrewd short-term acquisition.
2. Julián Alvarez
On the face of it, this seems wildly far-fetched, but bear with us.
Julián Alvarez is still working to win back the Atlético Madrid faithful. The Argentine publicly longed for a move to Barcelona in the summer, describing it as his "dream," but Atléti made clear they had no intention of selling such a valuable asset to a fierce domestic rival.
Atléti's position never wavered, and Barça eventually walked away, leaving Alvarez in an awkward situation. He faced the full force of fan frustration at the start of the new campaign and was compelled to issue a groveling public apology last month. The hostility has since softened, yet it feels as though things will never truly be the same for Alvarez in the Spanish capital.
Given his current circumstances, the clever and opportunistic striker may well be open to a transfer that doesn't quite align with his ideal destination.
Arsenal have shown interest, and if Man Utd enter the race, could they pull off a deal that would undoubtedly energize their supporters? It seems improbable, but Alvarez, much like Kroupi, is an exceptional finisher who flourished as Erling Haaland's understudy across the city.
He can find the net from virtually anywhere, and Pochettino would greatly appreciate his relentless pressing and off-the-ball work. However, it would take an enormous effort for the Red Devils to persuade Alvarez to head back to dreary Manchester.
1. Folarin Balogun
Man Utd supporters previously mocked the notion of appointing "Tottenham's manager," and many will no doubt grumble at the prospect of signing a striker who was on the verge of joining Everton last summer.
But Man Utd could do considerably worse than bringing in Folarin Balogun for Pochettino. The former Arsenal forward was one of the standout beneficiaries of Pochettino's USMNT tenure, and Balogun was genuinely disappointed to see the Argentine depart.
The striker credited Man Utd's new manager with instilling a "clear sense of identity" and a defined "playing style." Pochettino worked closely with Balogun, who showed marked improvement under his guidance and was eager to leave Monaco following an impressive World Cup showing.
Balogun has just one truly standout goalscoring season to his name in Europe's top-five leagues (21 goals for Reims in 2022–23), but an inconsistent scoring record shouldn't overshadow his broader contributions. He is a dynamic and selfless attacking focal point who relentlessly runs the channels and consistently brings teammates into play.
At 25, Balogun is stepping into the peak years of his career, and Pochettino's prior experience working with him suggests this could be a natural fit. If nothing else, it certainly appears to be a realistic option.