Mauricio Pochettino to Man United: 'Never a better time,' says Harry Redknapp

Mauricio Pochettino could not be taking charge of Manchester United at a better time, according to former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.

United sacked Michael Carrick on Thursday and have appointed Pochettino as their seventh permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

The 54-year-old Argentinian is set to take up the role next Wednesday after completing his duties with the United States, who play two Nations League matches against Haiti on Saturday and next Tuesday.

Former Spurs manager Redknapp told Sky Sports: "Someone said to me today, 'What a bad time to take the job,' I said, 'I could never think of a better time to take over the Man United job.'

"They are rock-bottom. There's only one way, it's up.

"It isn't like David Moyes following Alex Ferguson. David Moyes is a great manager, but following Fergie was impossible.

"Now he [Pochettino] takes over a club that is in a real mess at the moment, and he can only take one take them one way, and that is going to be up.

"I like him. He's a great character, very clever manager, knows the game, and I'm sure he'll do a good job.

"But it's going to be two or three years before you see Man United anywhere near what you'd hope they would be."

Former United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel was at Tottenham during Pochettino's spell in charge there and he has "mixed feelings" about the South American's appointment.

Friedel told Sky Sports: "First, Maurício is a brilliant manager. He's one of the best.

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"I would say it would probably be a little bit of a glum time for me because he'd be leaving U.S. Soccer, and he did a very good job at the World Cup, and he continues to do a good job.

"So unfortunately, my thoughts are a little bit mixed because I think that leaves an enormous hole.

"There's talk about [Pep] Guardiola and stuff. So then, okay, then, you know that could be a step in the in the right direction. But it leaves a huge gaping hole for us."