Steve McManaman can see Mauricio Pochettino using Manchester United as a stepping stone to join Real Madrid.

The Paris Saint-Germain boss is under pressure to win the Champions League this season and failure to do so could see him leave the Ligue 1 giants in the summer.

Therefore, Manchester United have registered their interest in hiring Pochettino as their full-time manager after interim boss Ralf Rangnick supposedly moves upstairs.

Speaking to Horseracing.net, former Real midfielder McManaman said: "I think he would strengthen Manchester United, but anybody would at the moment.

"I don't mean that disrespectfully. They're all over the place. They need to appoint 'a manager' - and I'm not saying it's Pochettino - and give them a little bit of strength and a little bit of stability.

"I feel sorry for [Ralf] Rangnick coming in because with this 'interim appointment' to the end of the season and then him going upstairs.

"There are so many uncertainties that they've weakened his case as a manager. The way it's been handled has been shambolic.

"If it was Poch, if it was Erik ten Hag, it would strengthen Manchester United's case, the way they are. It's just been a mess, really, and very unbecoming of them.

"I think they'll be better regardless. Pochettino is a great manager. He'd suit Manchester United down to the ground and then he could probably aim for Real Madrid later down the line."