“I have had lots of conversations”: Graham Potter finally responds to Man United managerial links

Former Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter has refused to comment on whether or not he held talks with Manchester United in the summer over the possibility of replacing Erik ten Hag.

United contemplated sacking Ten Hag in the aftermath of an extremely poor 2023/24 season that saw the club finish in eighth position, their lowest ever since 1989/90.

Club bosses eventually decided to stick with the Dutchman after a lengthy end-of-season review but it’s believed talks were held with potential successors including Potter, Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank and Mauricio Pochettino.

Following United’s humiliating 0-3 loss at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend, the pressure is once again mounting on Ten Hag, with his future at Old Trafford looking increasingly uncertain.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Potter is one of the candidates that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS would consider if they were to pull the trigger and part ways with Ten Hag in the coming days or weeks.

Potter recently admitted that he feels prepared to return to management, after more than a year without work since he was relieved of his duties by Chelsea in April 2023.

Speaking on Monday Night Football, the 49-year-old – who was also linked with moves to Napoli, Ajax and Leicester City – refused to be drawn into speculation that saw him mentioned as the next one in line for the United hot seat.

He said, “What I have read so far in the media, a lot of it is untrue and false.”

“I think I am the only coach in world football who has been linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week, so I take what the media says with a pinch of salt.”

“I have had lots of conversations with lots of people and I think, for the respect of everybody, it’s best that I keep those conversations private.”

He was asked whether he would be interested in the United role if it became available. Potter cleverly evaded the question and responded, “No, I’m sitting here enjoying this challenge of answering your questions. That’s where I’m at at the moment.”

The Englishman also opened up on United sporting director Dan Ashworth – an individual he successfully worked with at Ajax.

Potter said about Ashworth, “Dan will want to support and help. That’s my experience working with him. He was very supportive at Brighton. He would challenge at the right time, but want to help.”

Ten Hag’s men return to action on Thursday when they travel to Portugal to take on Porto in the Europa League.

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