Nico Paz could be the signing to kickstart the Mauricio Pochettino era at Manchester United – if they move on from Bruno Fernandes.That’s the view of talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor, who has named the Como starlet as a potential solution to one of the first dilemmas facing Pochettino following his appointment as Red Devils boss.Como starlet Paz has been tipped to become Lionel Messi’s long-term heir for ArgentinaGettyAfter days of speculation, Pochettino was confirmed as Man United‘s new manager on Friday following Michael Carrick’s sacking.But with his new side sitting 18th in the Premier League, the ex-Tottenham and Chelsea boss inherits a less than ideal set of circumstances – made worse by recent news surrounding captain Fernandes.The United talisman, whose current contract runs out at the end of the season, turned down a second offer from the club.As it stands, Fernandes is free to negotiate with foreign clubs regarding a free transfer from January.While United do have the option to trigger an automatic 12-month extension, the 32-year-old’s latest decision makes it increasingly likely the club could consider moving him on next summer.Having been inspirational since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2019 – scoring 113 goals and providing 111 assists for United – Fernandes’ departure would leave a gaping hole at the club.However, former Aston Villa hero Agbonlahor believes Pochettino could look to rebuild his team with a face United are familiar with.Is Paz the solution?Discussing Pochettino’s possible response to Fernandes’ contract saga, Agbonlahor tipped him to consider signing Como sensation Paz – who starred with two stunning goals in his side 4-1 thrashing of United in October.He told talkSPORT: “Maybe Pochettino comes in and says, ‘You know what? I don’t like his attitude. I don’t like the way he throws his arms up at his teammates, the way he threw Michael Carrick under the bus. Can I go and get my own players?’“Nico Paz – how good has he been? He’s the next star for Argentina. Bruno Fernandes is at a crossroads in his Man United careerGettyPochettino arrives at Old Trafford with plenty to sort, including Fernandes’ future at the clubAFP“Does he say, ‘You know what? I want him next summer from Como, make it happen’. Save the money on wages that maybe Bruno Fernandes wants. “So he might have his own ideas to get all these players out that maybe have been a little bit of a problem [like], ‘I want to refresh the whole squad.’”Paz would certainly be a popular arrival at Old Trafford, given how he put United to the sword recently in the Champions League.The 21-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Europe after impressing in Italy.A Real Madrid youth product, the Argentina international has starred under Cesc Fabregas at Como since his arrival in 2024, and boasts six goals and eight assists in 14 games altogether this term.His exploits include three Champions League goals, firing the Italian side to three wins out of their first four European games.Paz has earned 14 senior caps for Argentina, where he has been tipped for a bright futureGettyThis follows a strong 2025/26 campaign, where Paz’s 12 goals and seven assists in Serie A helped his team qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history.And the youngster is so highly thought of that he has even been touted as the eventual heir to Lionel Messi with his national team. With Paz into the final 18 months of his Como contract, he won’t be short of offers as he weighs up his next move.And United could certainly prove a tempting option, with the appointment of fellow Argentine Pochettino meaning he would have a clear connection if he did move to Manchester.