Manchester United told they have made a mistake by hiring Erik ten Hag instead of Graham Potter

Manchester United should have hired Graham Potter instead of Erik ten Hag, according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson. 

Ten Hag joined United from Ajax this summer, whilst Potter made the switch from Brighton to Chelsea last week, after the surprise sacking of Thomas Tuchel. 

The start under Ten Hag was a tough one after recording two defeats in their first two games, however, they now seem to have turned a corner as they are currently on a four match win streak in the Premier League, beating the likes of Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester and Arsenal. 

Merson has said United made a mistake with their managerial choice. 

In his column for SportsKeeda, Merson wrote: “I think it was a really strange decision to sack Tuchel, but Graham Potter is a manager I really like.

“Working at this level is a different ball game, but Potter has shown in his time with Swansea City and Brighton that he’s more than capable of creating teams that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the business.

“I’ve said before that Manchester United should have got him ahead of Erik ten Hag and I stand by that statement.

He added: “But he’s set to take over the reins at Stamford Bridge now, and it’ll be interesting to see how it turns out.”

Chelsea lured Potter away from Brighton last week after reportedly agreeing to pay the release clause in his contract. 

Potter has been impressing many fans up and down the land after turning a Brighton side that were flirting with relegation to a team that is challenging for a top half finish. 

Brighton managed some memorable wins last campaign, with the most famous one being a 4-0 win over United at the Amex. 

And now, Potter has finally been handed a chance to further impress at one of the biggest clubs in English football history. 

Upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Potter expressed his delight. 

He told Chelsea’s official website: “I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club. I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of. 

“I would also like to place my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for allowing me this opportunity and in particular Tony Bloom and all the players, staff and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club.” 

Potter's first game in charge of the Blues will be on Wednesday night as they take on FC Salzburg in the Champions League.