Manchester United have reportedly approached Graham Potter as pressure builds on current manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman is under increasing pressure following the club’s disastrous start to the season, having lost 12 of their 24 matches in all competitions. United finished at the bottom of their Champions League group, exited the Carabao Cup to Newcastle United, and languished in ninth place in the Premier League.
Delays over Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the club have meant that United have been unable to decide on Ten Hag’s future. However, INEOS’ 25% stake is expected to be ratified in the next four to six weeks, and Sir Dave Brailsford is already auditing the club’s operations. While appointing a sporting director and new CEO is a priority, there are vital questions over Ten Hag’s future at the club.
INEOS would prefer to leave Ten Hag in place until at least the end of the season to see if United can turn around their form as Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez return to fitness. However, there is an acceptance that late results cannot continue, and ESPN reports that Potter has been “informally” sounded out about his availability.
Potter has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea last April. The Englishman left Brighton just seven months earlier to replace Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge but failed to win over supporters in west London. Potter has impressed INEOS with his coaching ability, and he was approached last summer over becoming Nice’s new manager. Potter is believed to be biding his time before turning to management, and the job at Old Trafford would interest him should it become available.
Whether United will make a move for Potter remains to be seen, but his availability and coaching ability make him an attractive proposition. United’s poor form this season means that the club is under pressure to make a change, and Potter’s experience in the Premier League could make him a good fit.
