David Ornstein reports Graham Potter has rejected the chance to become Ajax manager | OneFootball

The much-expected managerial merry-go-round that was expected in the summer has had many candidates quickly fall out already.

Xavi and Xabi Alonso decided to stay, Liverpool’s vacancy is already filled, while Mauricio Pochettino might have saved his job with the late-season sprint.

Remarkably, it leaves Erik ten Hag and Manchester United, a marriage thought to be the most secure at the start of the season, in the most precarious position.

Thomas Tuchel has emerged as the leading candidate for the job, with Graham Potter also in the mix due to being an INEOS favourite.

Latest developments make it seem like Potter thinks he might be in the running as a game of poker ensues.

David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that the former Brighton and Chelsea manager has rejected the chance to become Ajax manager.

The report states that he held talks with Ajax and even emerged as the leading contender only to realise the “project wasn’t right” for him.

This has big ramifications for United for multiple reasons, direct and indirect.

Firstly, as stated earlier, Potter is firmly in the mix for the post of United manager if that vacancy becomes available in the summer.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has previously tried to get him in at OGC Nice, the Ligue 1 club under INEOS Sports’ umbrella and his prior Premier League experience works in his favour.

Secondly, Ten Hag has also been mentioned as the manager who Ajax yearn for the most as they saw their best performance in recent years with him at the helm.

He has resisted the attempts of both Bayern Munich and Ajax so far but INEOS pull the trigger on his future in the summer, and rebuilding his reputation in familiar surroundings at Ajax could appeal to him.

Ultimately, it feels like there will be a managerial swap if Ten Hag leaves, be it with Thomas Tuchel and Bayern Munich, or with Graham Potter.

Even though Potter is unattached right now, him joining United would inevitably mean Ajax going hammer and tongs for Ten Hag.

The game of poker is on, now to see who blinks first. Graham Potter has already shown that he’s willing to wait it out.

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