23 October 2023 , 08:48
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Graham Potter could reportedly be approached by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos if they decide against keeping Erik ten Hag on at Manchester United.
After months of speculation over a potential takeover, Ratcliffe, 70, is now poised to purchase a minority 25 per cent stake in the club. The £1.4billion deal, which will need to be ratified at a board meeting, would give the petrochemicals billionaire control of sporting operations.
Ratcliffe is expected to overhaul the club's support staff once he is in situ at Old Trafford, with the search for a new sporting director believed to be in progress. And although previous reports have indicated Ten Hag's job is safe, a potential successor to the Dutchman has now been touted.
A new report from The Sun claims that Potter is highly thought of by Sir David Brailsford - Ratcliffe's right-hand man - and could come into Ineos' plans if a change is necessary in the dugout.
Intriguingly, Potter, who is still unattached after being sacked by Chelsea back in April, was the subject of interest from the other club Ratcliffe owns, OGC Nice, earlier this year. Foot Mercato outlined back in May that Potter had met with Ineos privately and was open to the idea of working with them, although an agreement failed to materialise.
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Potter's reputation remains intact despite his turbulent six month stint at Stamford Bridge and the 48-year-old is currently in contention for the Napoli job alongside Antonio Conte.
Join the debate! Do you think Potter would be a better choice for Man Utd than Ten Hag? Let us know here.
Ineos are admirers of former Chelsea head coach Graham Potter (Plumb Images/Leicester City FC)It remains to be seen whether or not Ineos would be inclined to make a managerial change if their proposal for a minority stake is approved in the coming weeks. While other reports have claimed Ten Hag is in no immediate danger, the former Ajax chief had overseen the club's worst start to a season in 37 years prior to consecutive wins over Brentford and Sheffield United.
And while Saturday night's 2-1 win at Bramall Lane will provide Ten Hag with some welcome respite, even he admitted that United were not at their best against the Premier League's bottom side.
Speaking after the match, he told BBC Sport : "Every game is tough in the Premier League. Always after international breaks when players play different styles and systems with their nations and then when you get back you have to get back to your routine.
"You saw in the first half it was not our best game, it was far from fluid. We got a goal but we have to be more composed and more mature to stay in the game at 1-0 up and now give up the goal so quickly. At half time I said find a way to win and I think we were much better in the second half."