New Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is mulling over whether to sack Erik ten Hag or not ahead of next season and Brentford’s Thomas Frank is a surprise candidate on the Red Devils’ shortlist.
Ten Hag is under pressure at present as Man United sit in sixth place in the Premier League, 11 points off of the top four, and their only chance of winning a trophy is the FA Cup but the Manchester club host Liverpool in the next round.
The upcoming month could decide the Dutch coach’s future at Old Trafford and Ratcliffe has a shortlist of potential replacements ready.
According to ESPN, Brentford’s Thomas Frank is a surprise name on Man United’s list as his success in building a high-energy team at the Gtech Stadium, while embracing their data-led approach to recruitment has turned several heads at Old Trafford.
The report says Frank’s stock remains high, despite the Bees sitting just six points above the Premier League’s relegation zone and on a miserable run of one win in seven games.
Who else is on Man United’s list?
In addition to Frank, the report mentions other names that Man United are keeping an eye on. Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is one of the top candidates should Ten Hag get the sack and it is being reported that the Italian has a release clause of around £12m in his current contract.
Gareth Southgate is another surprise name on United’s list as the England boss looks like he could leave the Three Lions after this summer’s European Championship. The Englishman hasn’t got the credentials to take over at Old Trafford and this appointment would lead to disaster.
All this is irrelevant if Ten Hag keeps his job but if Ratcliffe decides to pull the plug, it will be very interesting to see what direction the INEOS CEO goes with his next appointment.