Manchester United could have another unexpected name on their January transfer shortlist, with Brian Brobbey being linked with a potential move to Old Trafford following Mauricio Pochettino’s emergence as the club’s next managerial appointment.
The Sunderland striker is reportedly an admirer of the Argentine coach, and speculation about a possible reunion has started attracting attention as United prepare for another important transfer window.
The story becomes even more interesting because Brobbey is allegedly willing to make financial sacrifices to secure the opportunity to work under Pochettino.
A statement circulating online claims that the Dutch striker would do everything possible to join Manchester United, even if it meant accepting a lower salary.
If that position is genuine, it would demonstrate just how much the opportunity to work with the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager could mean to him.
However, there is currently no verified confirmation that Brobbey has made such a declaration or formally requested a transfer.
POCHETTINO’S ARRIVAL COULD CHANGE UNITED’S TRANSFER PLANS
Manchester United are preparing for a new managerial era after dismissing Michael Carrick on November 12.
The club’s decision followed a disastrous beginning to the Premier League campaign, with United collecting just one victory from their opening ten league matches and falling into the relegation zone.
Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate, with United reportedly reaching an agreement in principle with the former Tottenham manager.
His potential appointment has already generated conversations about the type of players he could bring to Old Trafford.
The Argentine is known for demanding energy, movement, physical intensity and commitment from his attacking players.
He wants forwards who can press defenders, attack spaces and contribute to the team’s overall structure rather than simply wait for opportunities inside the penalty area.
Brobbey possesses several characteristics that could make him an interesting option.
At 24, the Netherlands international is entering an important stage of his career and has experience playing in different European competitions.
A move to Manchester United would represent a significant opportunity to establish himself at one of England’s biggest clubs.
WHY BROBBEY COULD INTEREST POCHETTINO
Brobbey is a powerful centre-forward who can use his physical presence to trouble opposition defenders.
His ability to hold up the ball, compete in physical battles and create opportunities for teammates could provide United with another attacking dimension.
Manchester United have struggled to maintain consistency in front of goal, and their attacking department could benefit from additional competition.
Pochettino would also have the opportunity to work with a striker who still has considerable room for development.
Rather than signing an established superstar approaching the final stages of his career, United could consider investing in a younger forward who could become an important part of the club’s long-term plans.
Brobbey’s physical profile could also suit the intensity Pochettino traditionally demands from his teams.
The question, however, is whether the new manager would actually identify him as one of his priority targets.
THE PAY-CUT CLAIM THAT HAS ATTRACTED ATTENTION
Perhaps the most surprising part of the circulating story is the suggestion that Brobbey would be prepared to accept reduced wages to join Manchester United.
Transfer negotiations are usually dominated by financial demands, signing bonuses and contract conditions.
Players rarely want to sacrifice earnings when moving between major clubs.
But the alleged statement suggests that Brobbey would place the opportunity to work with Pochettino above financial considerations.
The striker reportedly believes that working under the Argentine could help him reach another level in his development.
For a player still looking to establish himself among Europe’s leading forwards, the chance to work with an experienced Premier League manager could be an attractive proposition.
Nevertheless, the pay-cut claim remains unverified, and there is no confirmed evidence that Manchester United have offered him a contract or opened negotiations.
SUNDERLAND WILL NOT WANT TO LOSE THEIR STRIKER
There is another major obstacle to consider.
Brobbey currently plays for Sunderland, having joined the club from Ajax in September 2025.
More importantly, Sunderland recently announced that the Dutch forward had signed a new long-term contract, with his agreement running until June 2029.
That means the Black Cats are in a strong position when it comes to deciding his future.
They have invested in the striker and will not necessarily be interested in allowing him to leave just because Manchester United have shown interest.
Any potential deal would require negotiations between the clubs, and Sunderland could demand a substantial transfer fee.
The new contract also makes the suggestion of an immediate January departure particularly interesting.
Would Sunderland be prepared to negotiate if Brobbey expressed a genuine desire to leave?
That remains an unanswered question.
The Premier League confirmed his new long-term agreement on November 3, making his contractual situation an important part of any potential transfer discussion. (Premier League)
UNITED COULD NEED MORE THAN ONE ATTACKING SIGNING
Pochettino will have several problems to address when he eventually takes charge at Old Trafford.
The defensive department needs attention, midfield requires greater stability, and the attacking players must become more consistent.
January recruitment will therefore be extremely important.
If Brobbey becomes a serious target, United will need to decide whether he is the right profile for the club’s immediate needs.
His physical strength could offer something different, but signing him would not automatically solve every problem in the team’s attack.
Pochettino would need to establish how the Dutchman fits alongside United’s existing forwards and whether he can deliver the goals required at the highest level.
The manager’s ability to develop attacking players could become a major factor in that decision.
COULD OLD TRAFFORD BE BROBBEY’S NEXT DESTINATION?
For now, the possibility of Brobbey joining Manchester United remains an intriguing transfer storyline.
Pochettino’s expected arrival has created fresh speculation about the players who could follow him to Old Trafford, and Brobbey is a name that supporters may want to watch.
The striker has already committed his future to Sunderland, but football transfers can change quickly when a major club enters the picture.
If United genuinely decide to pursue him, they will have to convince Sunderland to negotiate and establish whether the player is interested in making the move.