Gary Neville has urged Pochettino to reject the Manchester United manager's job unless he is given two defenders in January.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss is currently with the United States national team, and Manchester United would need to pay £7.5 million to release him. It has been reported that the Red Devils have reached a verbal agreement with Pochettino to become their next manager.
However, Manchester United legend Gary Neville has warned him not to take the position if the hierarchy cannot guarantee him support in the transfer market.
Speaking on "Football Talks", he said: "If I were Pochettino now, I would protect myself well."
"He would do that with a severance package. So put that in your contract. Secondly, he needs two defenders in January."
"So he must insist on getting two defenders in January. He also has to insist on getting a minimum budget next summer."
"He also has to insist on getting subsequent budgets. They must give it to him, or he shouldn't take the job."
The Sky Sports pundit slammed Manchester United's defense in their 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, calling them "possibly the worst back four in the Premier League", and specifically criticized Mazraoui, Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and Dalot.
Gary Neville added: "This midfield has already cost a lot of money, and they must sign two more good defenders."
"Look at the defense he fielded on Sunday: Dalot at left-back, Mazraoui at right-back, and Yoro and Ayden Heaven at center-back."
"This is probably the worst back four in the Premier League. I'm watching the Premier League now and can't think of a worse defense."
"I can't believe Manchester United would end up with such a defense."