Approximately eight months subsequent to his departure as Chelsea’s head coach, Graham Potter is on the brink of reentering the managerial sphere, as disclosed by 90min. Having declined offers from Lyon and Leicester following his exit from Chelsea in April, previous speculations linking him to Stoke City in the Championship were proven baseless. Presently, there are indications that he is receptive to resuming managerial duties in the year 2024.
Recent rumors circulate suggesting that Potter is a prominent candidate to replace Erik ten Hag at the helm of Manchester United. The club has encountered formidable challenges, facing elimination from the Champions League and grappling in the Premier League, currently residing in the sixth position after succumbing to defeat in seven of their 16 matches. Ten Hag is confronted with mounting pressure, particularly in the aftermath of a disheartening 3-0 loss to Bournemouth.
Bookmakers are favoring Potter as the potential successor to Ten Hag at Old Trafford, with indications that INEOS, spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, poised to acquire a 25% stake in United, is supportive of Potter. Notably, INEOS also holds sway over OGC Nice, and Potter was considered for the CEO position before Francesco Farioli assumed the role in June.
While Potter’s managerial prowess is purportedly highly esteemed by prospective members of United’s new administration, substantial changes in Manchester may be contingent on the establishment of a new football department. The resolution regarding Ten Hag’s future is likely to pivot on forthcoming results, as the club has expressed a degree of support for him to orchestrate a turnaround.
Manchester United has grappled with off-field predicaments, and their recent activities in the transfer market have elicited discontent among fans. Nevertheless, amidst these challenges, there were glimpses of on-field improvement last year when the team secured the Carabao Cup, marking the end of a six-year trophy drought.
Potter’s coaching trajectory encompasses a successful stint at Brighton, where he played a pivotal role in elevating the team’s stature, along with tenures at Swansea City and Ostersund. Notably, he steered Ostersund from Sweden’s fourth division to the Europa League in the 2017–18 season, achieving acclaim for famously defeating Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.