Man Utd contingency plan takes a twist as Potter's name confirmed on shortlist

01 November 2023 , 18:42

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Man Utd contingency plan takes a twist as Potter's name confirmed on shortlist

Graham Potter is in the mix to become Sweden's new national team manager - less than a fortnight after he was touted as becoming Erik ten Hag's replacement at Manchester United.

The 48-year-old has been out of work since being sacked from Chelsea back in April. Potter won 12 of his 31 matches in charge at Stamford Bridge and was dismissed following the Blues' 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa.

However, the Sun reported last month that Potter could be approached by United if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS decided against keeping Ten Hag. Ratcliffe, 70, is poised to purchase a minority 25 percent stake in the Red Devils and he is expected to overhaul the club's support staff once in position at Old Trafford.

Potter is highly thought of by INEOS chief Dave Brailsford and he could come into their plans if they chose to axe Ten Hag. The ex-Brighton boss had been linked with the other club Ratcliffe owns, Nice, earlier this year, while Napoli wanted to speak to Potter over their managerial vacancy.

Now, Potter has emerged as one of the frontrunners to take over as the Sweden national team boss after Janne Anderson stepped down. His resignation came as Sweden's failed to qualify for Euro 2024, with Belgium and Austria comfortably progressing from Group F.

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Potter is familiar with the Swedish game, having spent seven-and-a-half years at Ostersund, where he helped them progress from the fourth tier and into the Europa League. But Potter could be set for a return to the country after Sweden FA general secretary Andrea Mllerberg confirmed he is the running for the job.

Mllerberg told TV4: "You can say this: The list that is on names and that I have been sent to me or that I am reading... it is clear that he is part of that list. "We'll see what we filter down and who is interested in this role.

Graham Potter has been linked with the vacant Sweden job (Getty Images)

"You probably have to be passionate about wanting to be the national team coach, especially given that it is different from club football. You may have to be ready with certain parts."

After leaving Ostersunds in 2018, Potter moved back to England and joined Championship club Swansea. Following a successful first season in South Wales, Potter was on the move again, however, and teamed up with Tony Bloom at Brighton following the departure of Chris Hughton.

Potter masterminded a remarkable turnaround of style at the Amex Stadium, but results didn't start moving in a positive direction until the 2021-22 season when the Seagulls finished ninth. And after helping Brighton to fourth after six matches in the following season, Potter decided to accept the Chelsea job.

If Potter does now decide to become the Sweden manager, that would be a potential blow to Ratcliffe should he have had plans to appoint him as United's new boss. Further questions have been raised about Ten Hag's future following their 3-0 defeat against Manchester City on Sunday.

Kieran King