Man Utd Transfers: Pochettino Influence Grows in Balogun and Alex Freeman Plans

Manchester United’s early transfer thinking is beginning to take shape and, according to TeamTalk, two United States internationals are firmly in the conversation as the club prepare for the January market. The key development is the growing influence of Mauricio Pochettino, with the incoming head coach expected to carry significant weight in recruitment decisions at Old Trafford.

The report states that Folarin Balogun and Alex Freeman are both under active consideration, with United’s new direction giving both situations added relevance. In Balogun’s case, the encouragement appears immediate. TeamTalk reports that the striker’s representatives have informed United that Pochettino’s appointment has made a move to Old Trafford “somewhat” more appealing, a detail that hints at genuine momentum behind the possibility.

Balogun Move Given Fresh Momentum

United have been looking for attacking solutions and Balogun is once again emerging as a credible option. The 25-year-old had already been offered to the club earlier this month, and his profile appears to align with what United may need if they revisit the striker market in January. What has shifted is the level of receptiveness from the player’s side.

Balogun is described as “increasingly receptive” to the prospect of joining United, with the opportunity to reunite with Pochettino clearly important. Their previous work together with the United States national team is a major strand in this story. The report says Pochettino got some of the best performances from the forward, and that prior trust matters when clubs move quickly in a winter window.

His club situation also points towards a possible opening. Balogun is keen to return to English football after what is described as a difficult spell at Monaco. He is currently out of favour and has yet to start a Ligue 1 game this season. TeamTalk adds that Monaco are ready to sanction an exit and “would give his sale an instant green light”. That is a notable line, especially with the French club said to prefer a permanent transfer because of their financial position, though a loan with suitable conditions remains possible.

There is no suggestion of an agreement being close at this stage, but there is enough alignment to mark this as one to watch. United liked the player before the coaching change, and now the managerial endorsement could become a decisive factor.

Alex Freeman Emerges as Right-Back Option

The second name in the frame is Villarreal full-back Alex Freeman. TeamTalk says United have been “keeping close tabs” on the defender, another player known well by Pochettino through international football. That detail is crucial because January recruitment can often turn on conviction, and first-hand knowledge reduces uncertainty.

Freeman’s standing with Pochettino appears strong. The report notes that the manager handed him a senior international opportunity ahead of the World Cup finals and then watched him establish himself as a starter. That rise has placed him firmly on United’s radar.

United’s interest is presented as part of a broader recruitment process rather than an advanced negotiation, but Pochettino’s arrival “adds an interesting dimension” to the situation. In practical terms, it means United’s internal discussions now include the view of a manager who has worked directly with the player and already trusts his development trajectory.

Pochettino Set for Greater Recruitment Control

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from this report is structural rather than positional. TeamTalk says Pochettino “will have a strong say in United’s incoming transfers moving forward”, and that his views are being welcomed as the club shape the squad. That points to a more manager-led model than under Michael Carrick.

The report goes further, stating that Pochettino is set to have “a major input into recruitment and certainly more so than predecessor Michael Carrick”. If accurate, that matters. It means targets such as Balogun and Freeman are not simply names on a longlist, they are players the incoming manager may actively champion.

That can speed up decision-making, especially in January when timing is often everything. A manager with clear opinions, prior relationships and confidence in the player’s character can push deals from background checks into genuine pursuit. United may still weigh value, availability and squad balance, but the Pochettino factor is already shaping the discussion.

Our View

There is something quite logical about this report. If a new head coach is coming in and already knows certain players well, why would United not lean into that? Too often the club have looked like they were shopping without a clear plan. This sounds more coherent, more targeted and more sensible.

Balogun feels like the more complicated one. The talent is obvious, and the line that Monaco “would give his sale an instant green light” jumps off the page, but there will still be questions about consistency and whether he is ready to handle the pressure that comes with leading the line at Old Trafford. Even so, if Pochettino genuinely believes he can unlock him again, that carries weight.

Freeman is arguably even more interesting. United need smart succession planning in several positions, and a full-back known to the new manager, still developing and already trusted at international level, sounds like the kind of profile the club should be targeting. Not every signing has to be a blockbuster.

What stands out most is the suggestion that Pochettino will have real influence. That feels necessary. Recruitment has to match the manager’s ideas, otherwise the cycle repeats itself. If this is the start of a more joined-up process, then these links make sense, whether both deals happen or not.