Graham Potter to have Man Utd discussion today after ‘private Dan Ashworth meeting’

Graham Potter has long been linked with the Manchester United job amid the uncertainty over Erik ten Hag’s future that has been augmenting throughout the past year. And he will undoubtedly answer questions about the current state of affairs at United when he appears on live television this evening.

Potter has stayed out of the public eye since his Chelsea sacking 17 months ago, which he has since described as a “grieving process.”

But he is scheduled to join David Jones and Jamie Carragher in the Monday Night Football studio when AFC Bournemouth host Southampton this evening.

The 49-year-old, who recently revealed he is ready to return to management, will be analysing United’s woes against Tottenham among the weekend’s other fixtures.

Potter has taken a break from football after losing his job at Chelsea just seven months into a five-year contract.

He oversaw just 12 wins in 31 matches after splashing over £300million on nine signings during a turbulent period for the club at the start of Todd Boehly’s ownership.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion boss rejected the Ajax job in May before withdrawing from the Leicester City running later in the summer.

Some have speculated he has been waiting for the United job to become vacant after reportedly meeting sporting director Dan Ashworth earlier this year.

In March, The Sun claimed that Potter and Ashworth – who was Old Trafford-bound but hadn’t yet replaced John Murtough – met for talks.

He was said to be Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir David Brailsford’s preferred candidate to replace Ten Hag in case he didn’t survive INEOS’ sweeping changes off the pitch.

However, nothing came of it. After a series of summer interviews with the likes of Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel, and Thomas Frank, the United hierarchy decided to back Ten Hag.

The Dutchman has fallen under immediate scrutiny in his third season, though, with Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham edging him closer to the sack.

It was United’s second straight 3-0 loss at home in the Premier League, having been thumped by Liverpool at the start of the month.

The fanbase is growing increasingly disgruntled after just six wins in 20 league matches and one victory in nine European outings.

Two more poor results away at FC Porto and Aston Villa this week would leave INEOS with a big decision during the October international break.

It could also leave Potter with a prime opportunity to mark his long-anticipated return by inheriting the arguably biggest job football has to offer.