United eye Frank as Ten Hag successor
Thomas Frank is a strong contender for the Manchester United job should they change manager following the club’s struggles under Erik ten Hag.
United are yet to make a decision over the future of Ten Hag, who could still win the FA Cup this year, but in the event of a new appointment Frank has admirers at Old Trafford from his work at Brentford over the past six years.
The Danish coach has an existing relationship with co-owners Ineos and attended Sir Dave Brailsford’s 60th birthday dinner in March alongside Sir Alex Ferguson.
Frank, 50, led Brentford into the Premier League and has overseen three seasons in the top flight. It is thought that the Dane would fit into United’s new structure following Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking control of football operations.
While Frank is manager at Brentford, United want a head coach to focus solely on the team, with incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox overseeing other departments such as recruitment. During Frank’s time at Brentford they have become one of the most successful data-driven clubs, which has put him on the radar of other top-flight sides. He signed a new deal last season, running until 2027.
As reported by Telegraph Sport, United want a head coach to help rebuild the club rather than a shortterm fix from a proven trophy winner. Frank is among those who have yet to be tested among the elite, but has shown huge potential.
Ten Hag has been under scrutiny after United’s failure to finish in the Champions League places and a series of worrying performances. His side are eighth going into tonight’s fixture against Newcastle and could finish in their lowest position of the post-ferguson era.
Their players will take part in a lap of honour at Old Trafford after the match, with some saying goodbye to home fans for the final time, although Ten Hag insists it will not be a farewell gesture from himself.
“Goodbye for me? It’s not how I see it. It is not the way I go to start a lap of honour for the fans,” he said. “We will do it. Of course. Through good times and bad times we are together and the fans show it, that we are together.”
Raphael Varane has confirmed he will leave in the summer, while Anthony Martial is out of contract and is also expected to depart.
“I fell in love with the club and the fans. You have to play for Man United to understand what that represents,” defender Varane, who has made 93 appearances in three seasons after arriving from Real Madrid for £42.7million, said. “For my kids it’s home here, it’s going to be a special place for me for life.”