Mauricio Pochettino poses for pictures with Salt Bae as he enjoys down time after Chelsea exit, with manager in the frame to take over at Man United

Mauricio Pochettino caught up with his friend Salt Bae days after parting ways with Chelsea - as links to the Man United job continue to escalate.

The 52-year-old Argentine left the Blues on Tuesday, after less than a year in charge at Stamford Bridge - but with Erik ten Hag looking destined to exit Old Trafford after the FA Cup final, Pochettino is a potential contender for that role instead. 

Pochettino took to Instagram to share a picture from his trip to visit Salt Bae - real name Nusret Gokce - who has shared a volatile relationship with football supporters since he sparked fury at the 2022 World Cup.

Pochettino's Instagram story caption read: 'Nice to see you my friend! @nusr_et Always top!'

The sentiment was shared by the Turkish chef, who shared his own images from the meeting, declaring the Argentine boss to have a 'beautiful family'.

He also shared a pic of the two of them together, with the caption 'Great person amazing coach'.  

Salt Bae was spotted holding the famous World Cup trophy after the 2022 showpiece finale in Qatar, and pestering celebrating Argentina players on the pitch after their victory over France.

In January, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shared a cringeworthy exchange with Salt Bae during a warm weather training trip to Dubai. 

The former Blues manager is enjoying some down time in the days following Tuesday's news that his time at Stamford Bridge has been limited to one season.  

Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent despite guiding them to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League, securing European football for next season.

News on Friday suggested Man United plan to dismiss ten Hag as manager regardless of Saturday's result against Man City at Wembley.

And it is thought the Argentine is open to a quick return to work, and would prefer to continue in the English top flight, which may make the role at Old Trafford happen quickly. 

Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank and Graham Potter are other managerial names thought to be on Manchester United's radar.