Graham Potter breaks silence on Manchester United conversations amid Erik ten Hag pressure

Graham Potter has broken his silence on Manchester United job rumours as Erik ten Hag approaches a key week in his Old Trafford career.

Erik ten Hag has faced a challenging start to the season, with Manchester United securing only three wins from their first eight matches across all competitions.

Recent Premier League fixtures at Old Trafford have seen consecutive 3-0 defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite considering other managerial candidates in the summer, INEOS opted to keep Ten Hag and extended his contract until 2026.

However, it was clear that the new leadership were open to exploring their options and former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter was reported as one of the managers being considered.

Potter, who appeared on Monday Night Football this week, has played down rumours surrounding his future but kept his options open when asked about the Old Trafford job.

“What I have read so far in the media, a lot of it is untrue and false,” claimed Potter, who has a close relationship with United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth.

“I think I am the only coach in world football who has been linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week. So I take what the media says with a pinch of salt.

“I have had lots of conversations with lots of people,” responded Potter when asked about if he spoke with United in the summer. “I think for the respect of everybody, it’s best that I keep those private.”

Further questioned whether he would be interested in job if it became available, Potter smiled: “No, I’m sitting here enjoying this challenge of answering your questions. That’s where I’m at at the moment.”

Ten Hag, meanwhile, will remain in charge for the next week with crucial games against FC Porto and Aston Villa likely to have an influence in the ownership’s decision regarding the manager.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.