Report: Frank among front-runners for Man United job if Ten Hag sacked

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Brentford manager Thomas Frank is a strong contender to take over at Manchester United if the new regime parts ways with Erik ten Hag, according to The Telegraph's Mike McGrath.

United don't plan to sack Ten Hag before the team's FA Cup final clash with Manchester City on May 25, McGrath adds. However, the club's new co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, and his INEOS team are reportedly expected to review Ten Hag's position once the season ends.

Should Ten Hag go, Frank would apparently become one of the front-runners to succeed the Dutchman. Frank's six-year spell in charge of the Bees has included promotion from the Championship and a ninth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Frank has also embraced the data-driven approach implemented by Brentford owner Matthew Benham and has links with INEOS. He was a guest at INEOS Sport director Dave Brailsford's 60th birthday dinner in London earlier this year, McGrath reported in March.

The Red Devils sit eighth in the Premier League table and suffered disappointing exits from the Champions League and League Cup this season. Ten Hag has been bullish about his position at the club, stating his belief that "common sense" should prevail for him to remain in charge of United beyond the summer.

Frank isn't the only name linked with the potential Manchester United vacancy. England manager Gareth Southgate has worked with Brailsford and Dan Ashworth - United approached the latter to become sporting director - in the national team setup and is in the final six months of his contract. Thomas Tuchel is also leaving Bayern Munich, Ruben Amorim has a release clause at Sporting CP, and former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea boss Graham Potter is still unemployed, McGrath notes.

Potter recently turned down the chance to take over Dutch giants Ajax, The Athletic's David Ornstein reported last week.