Manchester United 'want mid-table Premier League manager to replace Erik ten Hag'

By Carter White | 14 May 2024

Man United 'want mid-table Premier League manager to replace Ten Hag'

Manchester United are reportedly considering Brentford's Thomas Frank as a replacement for Erik ten Hag, should the Red Devils decide to sack the Dutchman this summer.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in appointing Brentford's Thomas Frank as manager if Erik ten Hag is sacked this summer.

The former Ajax boss is coming under increasing scrutiny at Old Trafford after his side have collected just one point from their last three Premier League matches.

Although a 1-0 defeat to title challengers Arsenal on Sunday afternoon was nothing to be ashamed of for a depleted Man United side, the result could lead to embarrassing consequences in the coming days.

The Red Devils currently sit eighth in the Premier League standings, with two games remaining this season to ensure that they book their ticket onto the continental stage in 2024-25.

Ten Hag's side welcome fellow European hopefuls Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Wednesday night, before a final-day trip to the South coast, where Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton & Hove Albion await.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank looks dejected on April 27, 2024 © Reuters

Man United considering Brentford's Frank as Ten Hag replacement?

According to The Telegraph, Brentford head coach Frank is in the running to take over from Ten Hag at Manchester United should the Dutchman be relieved of his duties this summer.

The report claims that senior figures on the red side of Manchester are extremely impressed with the Dane's body of work since joining the West London outfit over five years ago.

Frank guided the Bees to their first-ever promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and steered his troops to a ninth-placed finish last term in the top flight.

With talisman Ivan Toney missing a large chunk of this campaign after breaching Football Association betting rules, Brentford have struggled at times but still managed to avoid a relegation battle in the closing weeks of the season.

Man United's new minority owners INEOS are said to be huge admirers of Frank, who has experience of working with the company's director of sport Sir David Brailsford.

England manager Gareth Southgate reacts on March 23, 2024 © Reuters

Other contenders for the Man United gig

As well as Brentford's Frank, Man United are also said to be keen on England manager Gareth Southgate, whose future in charge of the Three Lions following this summer's European Championships is unclear.

However, it has been reported that the Red Devils have cooled their interest in the former Middlesbrough boss, with the 53-year-old unable to start his potential employment in Manchester until the end of July.

With his exit from Bayern Munich already confirmed, Thomas Tuchel is another contender to take the reins at Old Trafford should Ten Hag be sacked.

The German coach would be able to link up with the Red Devils from the very start of pre-season, and it is understood that he has emerged as a frontrunner for the role.