Brentford boss Thomas Frank is reportedly a strong contender to replace Erik ten Hag at Man United if the Dutchman is sacked.
United have endured a dismal and chaotic season which has seen Ten Hag come under significant scrutiny in his role.
Although the Red Devils are in the FA Cup final, they crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage, while they are in danger of missing out on Europe next season with Ten Hag’s side in eighth place with just two games to go.
And, according to The Telegraph, United – whose footballing operation is led by INEOS after Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his partial takeover of the club in December – are yet to make a decision on Ten Hag’s future.
However, the report goes onto state that if they do decide to go in a different direction then Frank has several admirers at Old Trafford.
Thomas Frank is a strong contender to replace Erik ten Hag at Man United if he is sacked
The Dutchman has come under significant pressure at Old Trafford after a difficult campaign
Frank has overseen extremely impressive progress at Brentford since taking over in 2018
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The Danish coach has had a major impact with Brentford since taking over in October 2018, transforming them from a mid-table Championship club to a consistent Premier League outfit, with the Bees finishing 13th and ninth in their two full top flight campaigns.
The report goes onto add how Frank has an existing relationship with INEOS, while he has also linked up with Sir Dave Brailsford, INEOS’ director of sport, before the group’s investment in United.
Although the Dane’s official title at Brentford is ‘manager’, United would be searching for a head coach to focus solely on the team, with new technical director Jason Wilcox and incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth set to oversee other matters, including recruitment.
The report goes onto claim that Frank would also fit the profile of head coach United are searching for, with the club searching for someone who can oversee a rebuild rather than a short-term fix from a proven trophy winner.
Frank – who is under contract with Brentford until 2027 – has seen his stock rise significantly with the Bees, winning 114 of his 273 games in charge and several top flight sides have taken an interest in him.
During his time in south west London, Brentford have also become one of the most successful data-driven clubs in Europe.
While Frank is well-liked by United’s hierarchy, there are similarly several other coaches who could be on the move this summer.
United have endured a miserable season and could miss out on European football altogether
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are set to make a decision on Ten Hag’s future in the summer
Frank is well-liked by several clubs and is the type of profile of coach United are looking for
Thomas Tuchel is set to exit Bayern Munich, while the likes of Graham Potter are without a club and Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has been linked to several top teams across Europe.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag is expected to remain in his position until at least the FA Cup final against Man City on May 25, with INEOS and Ratcliffe set to review the situation in the summer before making a decision on his future.
The Dutchman last week claimed it would take a lack of a ‘common sense’ to dismiss him, but there is no doubt he has failed to perform this season.
United return to action on Wednesday when they host Newcastle as they look to avoid their lowest Premier League finish in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
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