Man Utd and England: Graham Potter discusses speculation, plus partnership with Dan Ashworth, on Monday Night Football | Football news

Speaking on Monday Night Football, Graham Potter discussed links with Man Utd and England, and what it was like working with current United sporting director Dan Ashworth in Brighton.

After a 3-0 defeat against Tottenham, we continue Super Sunday, Erik ten Hag’s time at Old Trafford is under scrutiny again – though Sky Sports News He understands he retains the support of United’s leadership structure in the football world, which has no immediate plans for a change of manager.

There had been reports in the summer that the club’s hierarchy were sounding out other managers, with Potter’s name linked to the role.

When asked about the Man Utd job and those previous connections, the former Brighton and Chelsea boss opened up Football on Monday evening: “I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week.

“A lot of what I’ve read in the media is untrue and untrue. I take what the media says with a grain of salt. I’ve had a lot of conversations with a lot of people.

“For everyone’s respect, it’s best that I keep it private.

“I don’t think everything is impossible, but jobs are difficult. That’s the reality of life in the Premier League. When you’re a big club like Manchester United and you’re not in the top six, there’s always going to be of problems.” strict supervision.

“Sometimes you have to look beyond the results and look at the performance.

“They’ve missed a lot of chances and sometimes teams go through that where you don’t start reflecting on your xG (expected goals), and then a bad day comes (like on Sunday) and the clouds pass by quite quickly – that’s true they have to deal with.”

Potter faced similar pressure during his time at Chelsea, which he eventually left in April 2023, and gave his insight into what that’s like.

He said: ‘The challenge is to try to have some perspective, to try to rationalize what actually happened, to speak logically.

“After a match everyone is emotional because football is about emotions, it’s about feelings. Fans are in pain, they want answers, they want to blame someone, and sometimes it’s the manager. Sometimes we make mistakes and we’re not perfect .

“But it’s part of the job, it’s part of what we sign up for, and I’m sure Erik would say the same. It’s what he expects at Manchester United. If you don’t win or you don’t play well, or you lose, then people will be critical.

“Whoever lost that match felt like he or she was going to be under pressure. It wasn’t that long ago that people were talking about Ange (Postecoglou), about no tactics or no plan B, and suddenly he has won four at the match.” trot and everything is great for him.

“You have to try to get enough results and then you have to work with your players, stick to what you want to do and move the club forward as best you can.”

‘I support whatever the FA decides’

Another job currently vacant is that of England men’s manager after Gareth Southgate left a few months ago. U21 coach Lee Carsley has since taken over as interim manager.

Potter was once again linked with the role and when questioned he said: “As an Englishman it’s obviously a fantastic job, but I support whatever the FA decide to do and whoever the coach is.

“I think Gareth (Southgate) has done a fantastic job and I’m sure Lee (Carsley) will do very well however long it takes.”

On whether he would prefer a job in club football over international football, Potter added: “I’m open to anything, to be honest.

“I have had a fantastic journey over the last twelve years, from the fourth tier of Swedish football to the last eight of the Champions League and I would like to spend the next twelve years in the same position, developing and working with players and teams with other players. people and make a difference.

“Wherever that is, I’m open to anything.”

‘Ashworth will want to help Man Utd’

Potter has experience working with Man Utd sporting director Dan Ashworth, with the two colleagues based in Brighton.

Asked if Ashworth can help return Man Utd to their former glory, Potter replied: “Yes, absolutely.

“I think Dan is part of a team there. He’s going to want to support, he’s going to want to help and that’s been my experience with Dan.

“I don’t know anything about the context of Manchester United, but my experience with Dan at Brighton was that he was very supportive. He challenged me at the right time, but wanted to help and be there for you.”

“Football clubs must create the conditions in which coaches can be successful.”