Manchester United has had a somewhat tumultuous season, with manager Erik ten Hag’s position appearing increasingly unstable as the 2023/24 campaign has progressed. The team has struggled in the Premier League, exited the Carabao Cup, and finished at the bottom of their Champions League group, leaving many questioning whether Ten Hag should remain at the helm. However, amidst the uncertainty, attention has turned to potential replacements, with former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter emerging as a potential candidate for the role.
Potter’s coaching credentials are a subject of much discussion. He gained recognition for his work at Brighton, where he played a key role in nurturing young talent and successfully sold players for substantial profits. His ability to work with both inexperienced and seasoned players to create a cohesive team that not only played entertaining football, but also achieved results, has caught the attention of Manchester United decision-makers.
However, Potter’s brief stint at Chelsea was far from successful, and his tumultuous tenure at the club is something that prospective employers must take into consideration. Nonetheless, his impressive track record at Brighton and his ability to thrive in challenging work environments may make him an attractive option for a club like Manchester United.
90min reports that Potter is eager to return to coaching in 2024 and has rejected previous offers from Lyon and Leicester City. If Manchester United ultimately decides to part ways with Ten Hag, Potter’s name is expected to be in the mix as a potential replacement. While not a high-profile choice, the club has seen little success with big managerial appointments in recent years, suggesting that a candidate like Potter could prove to be a wise choice.
However, the decision regarding Ten Hag’s future is far from straightforward. Despite the team’s poor results, the coach has garnered significant praise for his successful first season in charge, and the litany of injuries that has plagued the team in the current campaign must also be taken into account.
Manchester United’s upcoming match against Liverpool could see a laundry list of key players absent due to injury or suspension, which may help explain the team’s on-field struggles. Additionally, the ownership situation at the club is murky, with INEOS’ 25% stake still pending official confirmation and Sir Jim Ratcliffe expected to hold significant influence. These factors could potentially complicate any decision to part ways with Ten Hag and make a move for a new coach like Potter.
In light of these circumstances, it remains uncertain whether Manchester United will decide to make a change in their coaching staff, and if so, who they may pursue as a replacement. Only time will tell whether the Red Devils opt to part ways with Ten Hag and pursue a candidate like Potter to guide the team moving forward.
