Brentford boss Thomas Frank emerges as target for Man Utd as Erik ten Hag successor

Thomas Frank has emerged as a ‘strong contender’ to succeed Erik ten Hag at Manchester United if the beleaguered Dutchman is sacked in the coming weeks.

Ten Hag, 53, enjoyed a strong maiden year at the helm but has struggled this term. The Red Devils chief is under significant pressure with United currently eighth in the Premier League and looking unlikely to qualify for Europe next term.

United’s poor form, coupled with the arrival of Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has seen a whole host of high-profile coaches linked with the top job at Old Trafford. And with a decision on Ten Hag’s future set to be made imminently, Frank has come under the spotlight.

The Dane, 50, has built up an impressive body of work at Brentford over the past six years, guiding the Bees to the Premier League and then overachieving in it. The Telegraph report that he would be a strong contender to take over if Ten Hag moves on.

Intriguingly, the report touches on Frank’s pre-existing relationship with Ineos. He has previously linked up with Ratcliffe’s right-hand man, Sir Dave Brailsford, who is now involved at Old Trafford.

United are looking for a head coach who would be able to work in the set-up Ineos are building behind the scenes. Frank fits the bill in that respect but is contracted to Brentford until 2027.

Ten Hag, meanwhile, is not expected to discover whether or not he will return for the final year of his contract until after the FA Cup final against Manchester City, which takes place later this month.

The former Ajax chief has had to live with rumours and speculation about his future all season after struggling to emulate his achievements in the 2022/23 campaign, where United qualified for the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup.

Ten Hag recently insisted he wasn’t bothered by Ineos’ failure to back him publicly. Speaking last week, he said: “That’s my job to speak to you. That’s why I’m the manager, to give the answers.

“I don’t care if they do or they don’t [back him publicly]. I am working on improving and developing my team.”