Sports
Manchester United manager could be getting the Sack
Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag could be facing the race against time to tweak things at Old Trafford as the club’s new co-owner has eyed a replacement heading into the remainder of the season.
The Premier League club is reported to have turned their attention to former Chelsea manager Graham Potter as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag, according to a recent report circulating in football circles.
Ten Hag, currently at the helm of the Red Devils, has faced mounting scrutiny following a series of disappointing performances, including five losses in their last eight matches across various competitions.
The team’s most recent setback was a 2-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Eve, characterized by a lack of attacking prowess and control on the field.
Despite their struggles, United managed to secure a solitary goal during the Forest clash, benefiting from an error by goalkeeper Matt Turner, as Alejandro Garnacho assisted Marcus Rashford for a clinical finish into the bottom right corner.
Sitting nine points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal after 20 games and finishing at the bottom of their Champions League group, United’s performance has sparked discussions about potential changes.
With a relatively quiet January fixture list offering a chance for recalibration and the transfer window open, speculations have intensified regarding managerial alterations.
Additionally, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s imminent arrival as a 25% minority owner, taking over footballing operations from the Glazer family pending formal ratification, adds a layer of anticipation.
Reports from ESPN suggest Ratcliffe’s INEOS group intends to retain Ten Hag until the season’s end, but circumstances might prompt a shift in plans.
Amid these deliberations, Graham Potter, currently without a managerial role since his dismissal from Chelsea in April, has emerged as a figure of interest.
Sources indicate that Potter has been informally approached regarding his future plans, hinting at a potential preference from INEOS to consider him should a managerial change become imperative.
Potter’s recent history includes discussions with Nice, a club backed by Ratcliffe, about the vacant managerial role previously held by Didier Digard.
However, despite meetings at the end of the last season, Potter opted against taking the position, ultimately seeing Francesco Farioli appointed to the role.
Could this however, be because of the Manchester United job being potentially free for him?