According to a report by Metro on Thursday November 12, 2026, Mauricio Pochettino has been tipped to make Antonio Rudiger his first Manchester United signing, with the former Chelsea defender viewed as a possible solution to the club’s alarming defensive problems overall.

The Argentine is expected to replace Michael Carrick at Old Trafford after United’s miserable opening ten league matches left them sitting 18th, their worst position at this stage since 1986 in England again.

Club officials reportedly reviewed Carrick’s future this week before selecting Pochettino as their preferred candidate. The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager is now close to leaving his United States coaching position very soon.

Charlie Austin believes United urgently require major defensive surgery, arguing that Pochettino should rebuild the entire back line rather than attempt to solve the team’s problems with one signing before rebuilding everything.

“Manchester United need a whole new back-four,” the former Premier League striker said, identifying defensive improvement as the incoming manager’s most important task when he eventually takes charge at Old Trafford at United.

Austin pointed to the need for an aggressive, experienced defender, noting Lisandro Martinez’s current injury absence. He also criticised the existing unit, recalling its presence during the infamous Liverpool defeat in 2023.

He suggested Rudiger would be an attractive option because the German international remains athletic, understands English football and has substantial Premier League experience following five seasons representing Chelsea before moving abroad in Spain.

“A player like Rudiger gives you experience, mobility and athleticism,” Austin’s assessment suggested. He believes United could then build around such a defender while gradually introducing younger recruits into the back line eventually.

Austin also raised the possibility of Pochettino pursuing Cole Palmer, who flourished under him at Chelsea. Palmer was linked with United last summer, amid suggestions he felt unsettled at Stamford Bridge.