Man Utd put on alert by Thomas Frank as Brentford boss gears up for job audition

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has spoken out about speculation linking him with a high-profile switch to Manchester United, insisting he is content with life at Brentford but not discounting a potential move in the future.

Since taking the helm in West London back in 2018 following Dean Smith’s departure for Aston Villa, Frank has significantly lifted Brentford’s fortunes. His leadership culminated in promotion to the Premier League, ensuring the Bees’ place amongst England’s footballing elite for now their fourth consecutive season.

Manchester United’s brass are said to have taken notice of the Danish tactician’s impressive performance, especially given Erik ten Hags’s shaky tenure and United’s dismal start to the campaign their worst ever in the Premier League era.

Despite Ten Hag clinging onto his job with recent draws against Porto and Aston Villa just before the international hiatus, his position remains under scrutiny.

It’s an intriguing subplot that as fate would have it, Frank’s Brentford is set to face off against Manchester United right after the break. In a pre-match discourse with talkSPORT, the topic inevitably veered towards Frank’s career prospects, especially in light of comments from Pep Guardiola suggesting a top job was inevitable for Frank.

Frank said: “I’ve said many times I’m very happy at Brentford. Who knows what will happen in the future. Maybe I stay here for many years. I’m open, maybe something happens. But first and foremost, very happy, just working very hard every day to make the club better.”

The future remains uncertain for Ten Hag and United, with his opposing head coach admitting: “That’s because it’s very difficult to predict the future. Who knows what will happen. How many coaches have been at the same club more than six years? Very few.”

In a dramatic turn of events during their last encounter with Brentford in October 2023, United snatched a late victory thanks to Scott McTominay’s stoppage-time brace, overturning Mathias Jensen’s earlier goal for the Bees.

Since then, McTominay has departed for Napoli amidst a wave of senior player exits. Tten Hag is also grappling with a spate of injuries; key defenders Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire are sidelined, along with left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte is also doubtful after picking up an injury on international duty.

Despite a five-match winless streak and failing to find the net in three of those games, Ten Hag seemed more optimistic about his tenure following a recent stalemate at Villa Park. Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel, previously linked with the United hot seat, has been confirmed as the new England men’s national team manager starting January.