The first players Mauricio Pochettino could sign as Manchester United manager

But Pochettino will run into an immediate problem: the squad is not capable of playing his high-pressing brand of football.The answer? The transfer market. Pochettino will likely require a complete overhaul, starting in the January window. Man Utd have attempted to refresh different areas of the squad over the last two summers, spending hundreds of millions on the attack in 2025 before replacing the midfield during the summer just gone.Man Utd require new full-backs, frequently playing right-backs on the left and then requiring a centre-half to fill in on the right.So who could, and should, Pochettino turn to in January?Antonee Robinson has worked closely with Mauricio Pochettino for the USMNTAFP/GettySwashbuckling Antonee Robinson has become a trusted lieutenant for Pochettino in the US national team. The Fulham left-back is in his prime at 29, and would bring proven Premier League quality and knowledge of Pochettino’s approach.Another American could help Pochettino improve Manchester United’s defence. Alex Freeman was handed an international debut by the Argentine in 2025, and has already racked up 26 caps. The defender has also been tracked by the Red Devils previously.Under Inigo Perez - who, like Pochettino, is a disciple of Marcelo Bielsa - Freeman has proven he can play high-intensity football in a host of positions. A natural right-back, Freeman has played as both a full-back and wing-back on either flank, the wide center-back in a three-man defence, and has even been deployed further up the pitch as a winger.Read MoreHowever, with Newcastle also struggling this term, Man Utd could try to tempt the 22-year-old to Old Trafford. Hall’s age is a better fit for the profile of player Man Utd are trying to build their squad around.One defensive recruit the club have had their eyes on for a while is Jarrad Branthwaite. The Everton centre-back first popped up on the Red Devils’ radar in 2024, with the Toffees rejecting two bids for the England international.Nico Paz put Manchester United to the sword in the Champions LeagueAFP/GettyPaz has reportedly been identified as the successor for Bruno Fernandes, with both playing their best football in a free role as an attacking midfielder.Man Utd fans will be pleased to hear that Paz’s attacking output is similar to Fernandes, but with an increased defensive actions - ranking in the 34th percentile for attacking midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues this season. For comparison, Fernandes is only in the 17th percentile.Real Madrid hold a buyback clause, which could cause a potential stumbling block for any move.Ricardo Pepi is only 23 but has plenty of continental experienceAFP/GettyDespite investing in their strikeforce two summers ago, Man Utd have resorted to playing wingers and midfielders up top. Marquee striker signing Benjamin Sesko has endured an injury-hit spell at Old Trafford, while Joshua Zirkzee almost left at the end of the last transfer window.Pochettino will require a reliable back-up to Sesko, either to change games or simply keep Slovenian on his toes. Man Utd will hope not to spend too much on a player of such profile, but two USMNT players could fit the bill.As the striker will lead the press for Pochettino, the former Tottenham boss will require a keen runner with the ability to score goals. Ricardo Pepi is a strong candidate: extremely fast and hard-working, the 23-year-old has grabbed 49 goals in 113 appearances for PSV, including six goals in the Champions League.Bringing Pepi to Manchester shouldn’t break the bank, nor would signing Folarin Balogun. Monaco hoped to shift the American on during the last transfer window due to financial constraints, which means a cut-price deal could be arranged in January.