Man Utd ‘secret meeting’ claims emerge between Dan Ashworth and former Chelsea manager

Dan Ashworth has linked up with former Chelsea manager Graham Potter amid uncertainty over Erik ten Hag’s future, according to reports.

Potter has been linked as a potential target for Manchester United should Sir Jim Ratcliffe decide to make a change. Despite failing at Stamford Bridge - a job that has become a poisoned chalice - the 48-year-old’s stock remains high in English football.

He is rumoured to be a favourite of Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford and, as a free agent, would not require a compensation package. Pressure has mounted on Ten Hag following the 2-1 defeat to Fulham last weekend.

A run of four consecutive Premier League wins had eased the nerves around Old Trafford and led fans to believe in a top-four dream once again. However, the Fulham loss sent another brutal reminder of how inconsistent the Red Devils have been this season.

With Ratcliffe, given full sporting control by the Glazers, headhunted Omar Berrada from Manchester City and Ashworth from Newcastle United as sporting director. The latter is yet to join officially as the two parties haggle over a fee.

As it stands, the Magpies are demanding a world-record £20million to release the 58-year-old - currently on gardening leave - from his contract early. United are playing hardball but it is thought the two can reach an agreement soon.

The managerial hot seat remains the only key position Ratcliffe has yet to change - sparking fears about Ten Hag’s future. Reports are now claiming Ashworth has already met with his potential replacement.

The Sun suggest Ashworth and Potter - who worked together at Brighton - met up recently, although there is no suggestion this was related to Man United. If so, that could have infringed on the terms and conditions of his gardening leave at Newcastle.