Chelsea to 'streamline Mauricio Pochettino replacement search' due to Man Utd fear

Chelsea will reportedly streamline their search for Mauricio Pochettino’s successor in part due to the fear that a lengthy recruitment process could see them rivalled for targets by Manchester United. The Blues confirmed Pochettino’s exit by mutual consent on Tuesday.

When the Argentine was appointed in May 2023, there had been nearly two months since Chelsea sacked their previous permanent head coach, Graham Potter. Frank Lampard had taken charge while the Chelsea hierarchy sought their next boss.

It is claimed that at least six candidates were interviewed ahead of Chelsea drawing up a three-man shortlist. Pochettino eventually won the position ahead of Luis Enrique.

However, the Daily Telegraph reports that Chelsea will ‘streamline’ their process this summer. There is an understanding that they cannot take the same amount of time as they did to appoint Pochettino 12 months ago.

Partial to that decision is reportedly the factor that United could still sack Erik ten Hag in the coming weeks. The Red Devils, who finished a lowly eighth in the Premier League, will not make a decision on Ten Hag’s future until after Sunday’s FA Cup final showdown with rivals Manchester City.

Victory over City is United’s only hope of qualifying for Europe this season, with a win securing them a place in the Europa League. INEOS have widely been tipped to make a change in the dugout if qualification for a continental competition is not claimed for next term.

Chelsea are aware that United will be shopping in the same managerial market as them if they do decide to axe Ten Hag. Kieran McKenna, for example, has been linked with both teams. The Ipswich boss, who has won back-to-back promotions with the East Anglian side, was previously a coach at Old Trafford.

McKenna, who Express Sport understands was a strong candidate to win the Crystal Palace job before Oliver Glasner was appointed in February, was coy on his future when quizzed at the League Managers’ Association dinner on Tuesday.

“The club has had such a positive season and has such a positive future ahead. We’ve achieved so much, it’s been an incredible two years,” he told Sky Sports.

“When you have success like that there always comes speculation and things like that, we’ve seen that every summer. But I know how much everyone is looking forward to the season, the club is on a fantastic path and everyone is just really looking forward to the season ahead.”