Graham Potter Discusses Man Utd Links and Working with Dan Ashworth on MNF

Graham Potter on Manchester United Job Links and Erik ten Hag’s Situation

In a recent episode of Monday Night Football, Graham Potter, former Brighton and Chelsea manager, shared insights about his connections to Manchester United and the current challenges faced by the club under Erik ten Hag. Following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, the scrutiny on Ten Hag's management is intensifying. Despite these challenges, Sky Sports News has reported that Ten Hag still has support from United's football leadership and there are no immediate plans for a managerial change.

Media Speculation and Potter's Perspective

Amidst ongoing media speculation about managerial changes, including linking Potter’s name to the United role, he remarked, "I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week." Potter emphasized the necessity to approach media reports with skepticism, noting that he has engaged in numerous conversations regarding his future but prefers to keep them confidential.

Challenges in Premier League Management

Potter highlighted the harsh reality of Premier League management, stating, "If you're a big club like Manchester United and you're not in the top six, there's always going to be scrutiny." He advised looking beyond mere results to assess team performances, citing United's missed chances and lack of reflective success in expected goals statistics. "Sometimes teams go through phases where the outcomes don’t reflect their performances," he explained.

Shared Experiences with Ten Hag

Reflecting on the pressures positioned on managers, Potter discussed his own experiences at Chelsea, where followed a similar trajectory of scrutiny. He stated, "It’s part of the job; if you don’t win or lose, you face criticism. Fans want answers, and sometimes they blame the manager." He shared a similar sentiment regarding Erik Ten Hag, noting that managing a large football club comes with inherent expectations.

The Search for Success

Potter noted that managers must strive for results while also working closely with players to develop and push the club forward. He mentioned the importance of perspective and rationality in the face of emotional challenges following defeats.

England Manager Role Speculations

Another topic raised during the discussion was the vacancy of the England men's manager position after Gareth Southgate. Potter expressed support for whoever takes charge, noting the fantastic work done by Southgate and current interim coach, Lee Carsley. He stated, "I'm open to anything," emphasizing his desire to continue developing players and teams regardless of the level.

Collaboration with Dan Ashworth

Potter discussed his previous working relationship with Manchester United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, during their time at Brighton. He expressed confidence in Ashworth's ability to help restore United to its former glory, saying, "Dan will want to support, he'll want to help." Potter’s comments reflect a belief in Ashworth’s positive influence within the football club to create successful conditions for managers.

Conclusion

Graham Potter's insights on Manchester United, Erik ten Hag's current position, and the challenges faced by managers in the Premier League encapsulate the pressures of top-level football. With managerial speculation surrounding United and the national team, the football community remains watchful for any developments.