Man United move for Mauricio Pochettino is underwhelming, Eddie Howe and eight Premier League managers are better

Darren Bent argues Eddie Howe and eight other Premier League managers are better candidates than Pochettino to replace Carrick at Old Trafford.

talkSPORT pundit Darren Bent has questioned Manchester United's reported interest in Mauricio Pochettino as Michael Carrick's replacement, claiming there are stronger managerial options available.

While acknowledging Pochettino is "a really good coach" who developed players well at Tottenham, Bent believes Eddie Howe would be a superior appointment. He highlighted Howe's achievement in taking Bournemouth from League Two to the Premier League and winning a trophy at Newcastle, contrasting this with Pochettino's two Champions League final losses with Spurs.

Bent named eight other managers he would rank ahead of Pochettino, including Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, Andoni Iraola, Fabian Hurzeler, Oliver Glasner, Enzo Maresca, Xabi Alonso and David Moyes. Pochettino, currently USA national team manager with a $10 million release clause, has never won a trophy in his Premier League spells.

Carrick's future is expected to be decided this week following a meeting between United chiefs and co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.