Soon-to-be Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth meets former Chelsea manager Graham Potter
Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter has emerged as a leading candidate to potentially succeed Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, according to reports. As per the Sun, (h/t Mail Sport) Potter, who most recently managed Chelsea, has reportedly engaged in discussions with Dan Ashworth, who is poised to join United as their sporting director pending negotiations with Newcastle United for his release.
The situation surrounding Ashworth’s transition is complex, as he is currently on gardening leave from Newcastle. However, his contract includes an extension clause that could see him remain with the club until the January transfer window of 2026. Despite this uncertainty, Ashworth has wasted no time in initiating his involvement with Manchester United. One of his early moves involved meeting with Potter, suggesting that the former Chelsea coach is being seriously considered for a prominent role at Old Trafford.
Potter’s tenure at Chelsea, though brief, left an impression, as he injected fresh ideas and tactical innovation into the club’s playing style. Despite not completing a full season in charge, Potter’s approach garnered attention within the footballing community.
Graham Potter’s arrival at Chelsea marked a transition from the Thomas Tuchel era, bringing with it a promise of dynamic football and progressive tactics. His successful stint with Brighton & Hove Albion, where he transformed the team into an exciting and vibrant outfit, had raised expectations among Chelsea fans.
Initially, Potter’s tenure at Stamford Bridge showed promise, with flashes of his trademark attacking style evident on the pitch. However, as the season progressed and results failed to materialize, doubts began to creep in. A string of losses proved to be the final blow, leading to Potter’s dismissal from his role as Chelsea manager.
In the aftermath of Potter’s departure, the club turned to club legend Frank Lampard to steady the ship as interim coach until the end of the season. Lampard’s leadership brought stability and a sense of familiarity to the team during a period of transition. Ultimately, it was Mauricio Pochettino who was chosen to take the helm as Chelsea’s permanent manager ahead of the new season.
Will Potter be an ideal United manager?
Graham Potter’s track record at Brighton speaks volumes about his ability to work wonders with a team. He took the reins of a side that was considered average by many and transformed them into a formidable force in the Premier League. What’s more impressive is that he achieved this feat largely with players who were relatively unknown or underrated before his arrival.
Under Potter’s guidance, players like Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo, and Marcu Cucurella emerged as shining stars, showcasing their talent and potential on the pitch. Potter’s coaching philosophy and tactical ingenuity unlocked the hidden potential within these players, enabling them to thrive and excel in their roles within the team.
However, at Chelsea, things didn’t work for several reasons. Whether United, another big club will prove to be too mammoth for him to take reins of remains to be seen.
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While we sigh him well, there will be little sympathy if it does not work out for Potter at United. After all, there is little reason for us to see the Red Devils thrive.
