Under-fire Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure as Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepares to become a part-owner of the Premier League giants.

Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter has been contacted by incoming Manchester United executives, as pressure mounts on Erik ten Hag’s status as manager.

Ten Hag has guided United to a dismal record of 14 defeats from 28 games this season, with the Red Devils most recently suffering a 2-1 setback away to Nottingham Forest last Saturday. United’s football department is undergoing its most significant transformation in a decade, with INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe reaching an agreement with owners the Glazer family for £1.3 billion. Through his 25% interest, he will have control of sporting operations.

Ratcliffe also owns Nice through the petrochemical giant INEOS, who apparently contacted Potter when looking for a new management over the summer. The ex-Brighton and Swansea manager rejected refused the approach after being sacked by the Blues in April, but is now claimed to have been contacted by Ratcliffe and co again.

According to ESPN, Potter’s future plans have been discussed informally with the Red Devils’ incoming executives. Ratcliffe intends to keep Ten Hag in command until the end of the season, but there is a growing consensus that if United’s bad results continue, he may be compelled to resign.

Jean-Claude Blanc, INEOS’ CEO of Sport, is reportedly swamped with calls from agents pleading for their clients to become the Red Devils’ new manager. Ten Hag and Ratcliffe have met this week, with INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford also attending their past two games.