Mauricio Pochettino could be preparing a sensational Manchester United reunion with one of the club’s former midfielders, with Scott McTominay reportedly emerging as a potential January transfer target.
The Argentine is expected to take charge at Old Trafford following Michael Carrick’s dismissal, and attention is already turning towards the players he could bring back to the club.
Interestingly, one name being linked with his plans is a player Manchester United sold in 2024.
McTominay.
The Scotland international has enjoyed an impressive spell in Italy since leaving Old Trafford, becoming an important figure at Napoli and helping the club establish itself among Serie A’s leading sides.
Now, a sensational claim suggests Pochettino wants him back.
An alleged statement circulating online claims that the new United manager admired McTominay during his time in the Premier League, particularly because of the problems the midfielder caused his Chelsea side.
The reported message is clear: Pochettino wants McTominay to become his first signing.
However, the alleged quote and claims of direct contact between the two parties have not been independently confirmed.
THE NIGHT MCTOMINAY GAVE POCHETTINO’S CHELSEA A NIGHTMARE
There is an interesting piece of history behind this potential transfer story.
During Pochettino’s time at Chelsea, McTominay produced one of his most memorable performances against the London club.
On December 6, 2023, Manchester United defeated Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford, with McTominay scoring both goals.
The Scottish midfielder was outstanding that evening, repeatedly arriving in dangerous positions and causing problems for Chelsea’s defence.
It was exactly the kind of performance that demonstrated why he could be such a difficult opponent.
McTominay was not simply a defensive midfielder who concentrated on breaking up opposition attacks. He possessed an ability to attack the penalty area, make late runs and contribute important goals.
That quality could be particularly attractive to Pochettino, whose teams have often benefited from midfielders capable of arriving in the opposition box.
The December 2023 encounter provides a genuine example of the problems McTominay could create for a Pochettino-managed side.
WHY POCHETTINO COULD WANT HIM BACK
Manchester United have struggled with consistency in midfield, particularly when it comes to physicality, defensive protection and goals from deeper positions.
McTominay could offer something different.
The 29-year-old understands the club, knows the expectations at Old Trafford and has already experienced the pressure of playing for Manchester United.
He also brings something that cannot easily be purchased: familiarity with the club’s culture.
His ability to contribute goals from midfield could become especially important if Pochettino wants to build a team that attacks with greater intensity.
During his first spell at United, McTominay was sometimes criticised for his limitations in possession, but his attacking contribution was frequently overlooked.
His development in Italy has demonstrated that he can become much more than the midfielder supporters remember from his final season in England.
NAPOLI HAVE TURNED HIM INTO A MAJOR STAR
Manchester United supporters have watched McTominay flourish since his departure.
He joined Napoli in the summer of 2024 and quickly became one of the club’s most important players.
His first season was particularly impressive.
McTominay scored 12 Serie A goals, helped Napoli win the league title and was named Serie A’s Player of the Season.
He developed an excellent understanding of Italian football and became a midfielder capable of influencing matches at both ends of the pitch.
His performances have continued to attract attention, with Napoli supporters recognising his importance to the team.
In fact, the club recently announced that McTominay had been voted its October Player of the Month. (SSC Napoli)
That achievement demonstrates why bringing him back would not be a straightforward transfer.
United would be attempting to sign a player who has become an important part of another major European club.
THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE: NAPOLI’S CONTRACT
One important detail makes this potential transfer particularly complicated.
McTominay is contracted to Napoli until June 2028.
The Italian club therefore has considerable control over his future and would not be forced to accept an offer simply because Manchester United are interested.
There have also been reports of discussions over a contract extension, although negotiations have reportedly encountered financial disagreements.
That could make the coming months interesting.
If United genuinely decide to pursue their former midfielder, they would need to convince Napoli to negotiate and establish whether McTominay would consider returning to England.
There is currently no confirmed agreement between the clubs.
POCHETTINO NEEDS PLAYERS WHO UNDERSTAND HIS FOOTBALL
The potential McTominay reunion also fits into the wider challenge facing Pochettino.
Manchester United are coming off a disastrous beginning to the 2026/27 season.
The club dismissed Michael Carrick on November 12 after collecting just one victory from their opening ten Premier League matches.
Pochettino has reached a verbal agreement with United, although the club has yet to officially complete his appointment. (Sky Sports)
He will inherit a squad that needs greater organisation, energy and consistency.
Rather than simply spending money on big names, he must identify players who can immediately understand his expectations.
McTominay would offer Premier League experience, physical presence and a proven ability to score goals from midfield.
He also knows what it means to represent Manchester United.
For a manager trying to rebuild confidence at Old Trafford, those qualities could be valuable.
COULD MCTOMINAY REALLY RETURN IN JANUARY?
A return would undoubtedly be one of the most interesting stories of the January transfer window.
McTominay spent more than two decades at Manchester United after joining the club’s academy as a youngster.
He worked his way into the first team, made more than 250 appearances and eventually became an important member of the senior squad.
His departure in 2024 brought that chapter to an end, but football has a habit of producing unexpected reunions.
If Pochettino genuinely believes McTominay can strengthen his midfield, United could explore the possibility.
However, Napoli’s position, the player’s contract and the absence of a confirmed approach mean supporters should not treat the transfer as an agreement waiting to happen.