Football news - Mauricio Pochettino refuses to rule himself out of Manchester United manager race

Pochettino has been seen as a long-term target for United because of his preference for attacking football and nurturing young talent, neither of which has been much in evidence at the club since the departure of Alex Ferguson in 2013.

With the Portuguese gone, United may make their move for the Spurs boss, who has taken his club to consecutive top-three finishes but has yet to bring a trophy to North London.

“After nearly five years, there’s a lot of rumours happened about my position as manager of Tottenham,” said Pochettino on Tuesday. “I cannot answer this type of question.

“We know rumours happen. It’s not my business what happens at another club. I’m so focused to deliver our best job at this club. We have ahead very busy fixtures. Another derby (against Arsenal), so important, quarter-final of the Carabao Cup. All the people will understand we are focused.

“What more do I need to say after nearly five years? From day one, not only in the coaching staff, the players, a lot of rumours in football. Today, it’s like this. I accept everything. I accept rumours when they’re positive when negative. I accept opinion when you win and you lose. That is part of our business.”

The Argentine was offered at odds of 2/1 against -- meaning one chance in three -- within minutes of Mourinho's sacking.

“I want to send best wishes to him,” said Pochettino. “I feel so sorry. You know I have good relationship with him. Good friends. It’s sad news. Then, it’s not my business what happens at another club. I want to send my best wishes to Jose.”

Pochettino is closely followed at 4/1 against by former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, who led the Spanish side to three successive Champions League titles.

However, rival bookmakers had former United defender and France manager Laurent Blanc emerging as the frontrunner with some putting him EVENS, down from 12/1, ahead of Pochettino.

The Frenchman spent two years at Old Trafford from 2001, making 75 appearances, and has been out of work since leaving Ligue 1 side Paris St Germain in 2016.

Former United midfielder Michael Carrick, now a coach at the club, is quoted at 10/1, just behind former Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim, on 9/1.

It may be strange for some United fans to countenance but former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is at 20/1, the same as Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.

United said they would appoint a caretaker while conducting a thorough recruitment process for a new full-time manager. Italian Antonio Conte (12/1) is out of work and previously succeeded Mourinho at Chelsea, going on to win the title.

Pochettino would be an expensive capture as he signed a new five-year deal at Spurs this year reportedly worth around 8.5 million pounds ($11 million).

The Tottenham coach also said last week that he was happy at the club and looking forward to leading them into their new stadium next year and into the Champions League last-16 where they face Borussia Dortmund in February.