Daniel Levy has insisted to his team upstairs that he will block any moves from the Red Devils at the end of the season but is more likely to do a deal with Real Madrid if they come knocking, according to the Sun.
The chairman will do everything he can to keep Pochettino at the club as he sees him as the man to continue moving them forward.
The Argentine remains United’s top choice to take over as permanent boss in the summer and an option for Real Madrid with Santiago Solari’s future uncertain.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken over the reigns until the end of the season after the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
And Pochettino stands in his way from setting a new United record of becoming the first boss in the club’s history to win his first six matches in charge.
The former Southampton boss claimed in his press conference that he is the only man in football who enjoys negotiating with such a tough cookie in Levy.
But Pochettino will not be allowed to walk away from Tottenham easily should he want to go.
He currently has four years left on his deal which is worth £34million.
According to sources, United are tempted to pay out the full contract plus an additional £16m to secure his services.
They are willing to throw the kitchen sink at Spurs to make him their new boss.
However, if Levy concedes defeat in the battle to keep his manager, then he is far more likely to do business with Real Madrid.
The La Liga giants are expected to part ways with Solari at the end of the season.
They gave their former man an 18-month contract after initially impressing following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui.
Now Los Blancos are set to go toe-to-toe with Man United to get Pochettino, who is currently the most sought after coach in world football.
United will be looking to cause a shock at Wembley as they continue to chase the top four.
Tottenham remain the outsiders in the title race and are six points adrift of leaders Liverpool.