Manchester United have reportedly identified Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino as a potential managerial appointment at the end of the season.

Jose Mourinho is currently in his third campaign at Old Trafford, but with United only sitting in eighth place in the Premier League standings, the Portuguese's future is up in the air.

According to The Sun, the club's hierarchy are keen on bringing in Pochettino should Mourinho not lead a revival during the second half of the season.

The report suggests that United would be willing to pay the £40m fee required to free up Pochettino to make the switch to the North-West giants.

Any potential approach would be aided by United not qualifying for the Champions League, with the club not being required to pay Mourinho a severance package for a finish outside of the top four.