Sir Jim Ratcliffe's feelings on Graham Potter as ex-Chelsea chief prepares for new role

Graham Potter has long been linked with a move to Manchester United ever since Sir Jim Ratcliffe seized control at Old Trafford and now the former Chelsea and Brighton boss could return

Graham Potter is ready to return to management and has no shortage of admirers - including Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Potter, 49, has been out of work since his ill-fated six-month stint at Chelsea came to an end last year. The former Brighton boss was widely regarded as one of the most promising young coaches in England before taking on said role back in September 2022.

While he has remained tight-lipped regarding his next move, Potter has now confirmed that he is ready to get back into the dugout after almost a year-and-a-half out of the game.

As quoted by The Telegraph, he said: "It still has to be the right thing, but I’m excited for it. I’m excited to hear what the opportunities are and I’ll take each one and judge it on its merits.

"International management is a different rhythm and there are pluses for that. It’s more intense when it’s on, but you’ve got a bit more breathing space in between.

"It’s nothing that I’ve ruled out, but at the same time I do like the day-to-day bit of working with the players and being in at the club and trying to build and make a difference."

As recently as December, Manchester United part-owner Ratcliffe was noted to be a huge admirer of Potter. The pair held talks over a potential move to Old Trafford but no such switch materialised.

Potter also had discussions with Ratcliffe’s other club, Nice, over the prospect of taking the reins at the French club. He has since been linked with moves elsewhere including former club Brighton, Leicester and even the England national team.

Potter's comments regarding a return to football come at a time where questions are once again being asked of Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman has been walking on thin ice ever since the INEOS owner’s arrival at Old Trafford and was expected to be cut adrift last season before being given a stay of execution by Ratcliffe.

Would Graham Potter be a good replacement for Erik ten Hag? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Things have not improved since, though. Manchester United have won just three out of their opening seven games in all competitions and were recently held by Dutch side FC Twente in their Europa League opener.

Ten Hag still has just under two years to run on the new contract he signed in the summer. Ex-Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson has warned Ten Hag could still face the sack should things not improve.

“I think the treatment of Erik ten Hag over the summer wasn’t great," Lawrenson told Sports Casting. "They were hawking around looking at potential suitors for Ten Hag’s job, I thought at one stage that he’d had enough and might just walk away. Since then, it looks like they’ve kissed and made up.

“I’m still not convinced with United but I do think they’ll be better this season. Will they be good enough to appease their owners, I’m not sure. I think if they have another slump, Ten Hag will get sacked. It seems like they’re waiting for that to happen.”

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