Graham Potter, aged 48, was appointed as the head coach at Stamford Bridge last September, signing a five-year contract following Thomas Tuchel’s departure.
However, his tenure came to an abrupt end in April after overseeing only 12 victories out of 31 games across all competitions.
Potter’s exit was confirmed after Chelsea suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa, a team that has experienced significant improvement under the management of Unai Emery, renowned for his success in the Europa League.
Following his departure from Chelsea, Potter reportedly turned down offers from Lyon and Leicester, with rumors linking him to Championship strugglers Stoke City deemed inaccurate. Nevertheless, he is now prepared to make a return to management in 2024.
Recent reports have linked Potter to the managerial vacancy at Manchester United, which has intensified following the club’s poor performance this season.
United’s dismal Champions League campaign, culminating in their early exit after finishing bottom of their group, has added to the pressure on current manager Erik ten Hag.
The crushing 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford further exacerbated the situation for Ten Hag,
who has faced speculation about unrest in the dressing room. Moreover, uncertainty surrounding the future of key players has heightened the turmoil at the club.
Potter is considered the frontrunner by many bookmakers to succeed Ten Hag at Manchester United.
He is also reportedly admired by members of INEOS, the company chaired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which is close to acquiring a 25% stake in the club.
Potter’s previous association with INEOS-owned OGC Nice further adds to the speculation surrounding his potential appointment.
However, despite the mounting pressure on Ten Hag, there are currently no immediate plans for significant changes at Manchester United until a new football department has been established.
While results will likely influence any decision on Ten Hag’s future, he has received backing to reverse the club’s fortunes, with on-field improvement witnessed last season, culminating in the Carabao Cup triumph.
Potter boasts an impressive track record, including a successful stint at Brighton where he laid the groundwork for the club’s progress.
His previous managerial experiences at Swansea City and Ostersund, where he led the latter from Sweden’s fourth tier to the Europa League, highlight his credentials and capability to lead a club of Manchester United’s stature.
