Dan Ashworth 'meets' potential Erik ten Hag replacement at Manchester United

Prospective Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth held a 'meeting' with Graham Potter last weekend amid speculation he could replace Erik ten Hag as manager at Old Trafford.

That is according to a report by The Sun, which states the pair 'got together last weekend'. The duo worked together at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Potter has been namechecked as a potential replacement for Ten Hag at Old Trafford, should the Ineos Group decide to relieve the former Ajax chief of his duties. As reported by the Manchester Evening News on Tuesday, Ten Hag's future at the club is currently uncertain.

READ MORE: I was in the United dressing room after 6-1 defeat vs City - here's what Fergie did

READ MORE: How Alejandro Garnacho's United career started under a tent in Salford

A well-placed source said United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is "not completely sold" on Ten Hag. It is understood that Ineos have already analysed potential replacements for the Dutchman and they are interested in current Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Potter, who has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea almost a year ago, has been strongly linked with the United job ever since Ratcliffe's 27.7 per cent investment in the club appeared likely. Ratcliffe is reportedly a big fan of the former Swansea City boss and tried to appoint him as Nice head coach in the past.

United, of course, are in the process of overhauling their football structure and Ratcliffe wants to appoint Ashworth as the club's inaugural sporting director. The former Brighton technical director was put on gardening leave by Newcastle United last month after making it clear that he wants to make the move to Old Trafford.

Having worked closely with Potter at Brighton, it is