Man Utd 'approach former Chelsea manager' to potentially replace Erik ten Hag

Manchester United have approached former Chelsea manager Graham Potter as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag, according to a new report.

Ten Hag's position has come under growing scrutiny in recent weeks, with United losing five of their last eight matches in all competitions.

The latest of those defeats was a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on New Year's Eve, typified by a lack of threat in front of goal and a lack of control on proceedings.

Their solitary goal came following an error from Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner, with Alejandro Garnacho laying off Marcus Rashford for a clinical finish into the bottom right corner.

United are now nine points off fourth-placed Arsenal after 20 games, losing nine of those, and finished bottom of their Champions League group.

A low-key January schedule - Ten Hag's side play just twice - could provide the perfect opportunity for a reset, especially given that the transfer window is now open for United to bring in reinforcements.

One reinforcement set to be confirmed is the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a 25 per cent minority owner, with the British billionaire and his petrochemicals company INEOS set to take control of the footballing operations at the club from the Glazer family when their deal is formally ratified.

According to ESPN, via sources, Ratcliffe and INEOS are planning to keep Ten Hag until at least the end of the season, although plans may change if they deem it necessary.

It is claimed that Potter, who has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in April, has been 'informally sounded out' about his plans for the future, indicating that the Englishman could be INEOS' preferred choice to succeed Ten Hag if a change is needed.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Potter met twice with Ratcliffe's Nice at the end of last season over taking the vacant manager role from the departing ex-Middlesbrough midfielder Didier Digard.

But the former Chelsea, Brighton and Ostersunds boss didn't take up the position, with Francesco Farioli being appointed instead.