Man Utd risk being caught by surprise as Sir Jim Ratcliffe target could replace Arne Slot

Manchester United managerial target Graham Potter could reportedly succeed Arne Slot in the Feyenoord dugout next season. Potter, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea last year, is currently in high demand with several clubs thought to be keen on making him their new manager.

Potter is said to have emerged as an option for United, who are weighing up the possibility of replacing Erik ten Hag in the summer. A decision is not expected to be announced until after next month’s FA Cup final, when United will face Manchester City in a repeat of last year’s fixture.

Ajax have also been linked with a move for Potter as they seek a new manager to replace interim boss John van ’t Schip, who will step down in the summer. However, it seems Feyenoord could spring a surprise by landing Potter for themselves when Slot joins Liverpool.

The Dutch outfit have already ‘shown an interest’ in Potter’s services, according to The Telegraph, with AC Milan and Porto also believed to be keen. The report adds that Ajax have realised they will need to make Potter the highest-paid coach in their history to stand a realistic chance of appointing him.

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Several members of the Ajax dressing room, including former Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson, reportedly want Potter to join the club next season. However, it remains to be seen if Feyenoord will be able to beat Ajax to his signature as they prepare for life without Slot, who will succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

A move abroad is unlikely to be a concern for Potter, who cut his teeth in management at Ostersund in Sweden before spells at Swansea City, Brighton and Chelsea. He could still decide to join a Premier League club, with United thought to have placed him on their list of candidates to replace Ten Hag.

Potter is not the only manager in the running to take over at Old Trafford, with the likes of Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel also believed to be under consideration. It has been reported that Southgate is United’s top choice, but any move for his signature will need to wait until after this summer’s Euros.

There is still a chance that Ten Hag could stay on next season, with the Dutchman under contract until the summer of 2025. However, it would not be a surprise to see him leave the club given their lack of progress since he was appointed to the role two years ago.