Mauricio Pochettino insists he is ready for managerial return

Mauricio Pochettino applauds the fans after the match [Reuters/Paul Childs]

Mauricio Pochettino says he is ready to return to management – piling further pressure on Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Pochettino, sacked by Tottenham a year ago, said he is ready to take on a new challenge – with the 48-year-old firmly in the frame for the Old Trafford job.

Solskjaer finds himself under pressure after taking just seven points from a possible 18 this season, with United languishing down in 15 place in the Premier League.

United have picked up a solitary point at Old Trafford this season, three defeats and a draw making Solskjaer's position increasingly uncertain, with Pochettino ready and willing to step in.

"I always feel ready to be again involved in the game,” said Pochettino. “I love football. It's my passion, it's not my job.

“It's not stressing when you are working. It's not a stress to go to the training ground. It's not stressing to prepare for the game, it's not stressing to compete.

Tottenham Hotspur's Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino (C) looks on during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on October 5, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

“My hair is getting longer and longer, but I hope to cut it as soon as we start working again.

"I'm looking forward to being involved in the game again. I love the game. In these times it is difficult. We are inside, we are working, doing things.

“But it's not the same as being involved every single day, to share with your players, with your staff, with the club. I think you always miss that. That's the reality."

Pochettino, speaking on Sky Sports, added: “I discovered some amazing people here in this country, an amazing culture.

“My family and I are living an amazing journey in England.”