Sources: Pochettino to rely on 'three players' to win over Man United dressing room

Pochettino appointed partly to rebuild relationships with Fernandes, Martinez and Shaw after recent player unrest at Old Trafford.

Manchester United appointed Mauricio Pochettino with a key objective: to salvage relationships with Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, according to Football Insider. Both Fernandes and Martinez publicly criticized the club following the Champions League defeat to Como, with Martinez even targeting sporting director Jason Wilcox.

Fernandes has turned down a new contract, unsatisfied with current terms, though negotiations continue and United hold a one-year extension option.

Pochettino's warm management style is seen as crucial to getting the trio motivated and influential in the dressing room. Should results improve in coming weeks, the club may avoid January spending.

However, complications loom: Martinez is reportedly keen to leave for Atlético Madrid, Shaw is in the final year of his contract with no progress on renewal, and Pochettino himself wants Wilcox replaced as sporting director. Any investment would focus solely on defensive reinforcements.