Man United are expected to part ways with Erik ten Hag at the end of the season, but who will replace him as manager is a hot topic of conversation.
Gareth Southgate emerged as a potential candidate last week, to the surprise of everyone and the chagrin of most of the club’s fanbase.
The England boss has exceeded expectations in his current role, taking the Three Lions to a World Cup semi-final and the Euro 2020 final where they lost to Italy in a penalty shootout.
But managing an international team and a club side are two different things, with many doubting whether he would be ready to take the hot seat at Old Trafford after years in charge of the national team.
In any case, Southgate may well have taken himself out of contention for the role, telling the media last week that it would be “completely disrespectful” to talk to clubs while he is still England manager.
Assuming he doesn’t sign a new contract with the Football Association after this summer’s Euros, the 53-year-old won’t be available until July – far too late for many clubs looking to hire a head coach.
A new report claims that Man United are indeed looking elsewhere for their new manager, if co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe does decide to sack Ten Hag.
The name being touted is Brentford’s Thomas Frank, according to Football Transfers. The Dane is being ‘earmarked’ for the job after an impressive six-year stint with the Bees.
Frank guided the west London outfit to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2021 and has kept the club in the division since then, although his side are struggling this season and may only be saved by points deductions to other teams.
The 50-year-old has no experience at a top job however, which may count against him, but he has earned plaudits for progressing young talents and employing different tactical setups.
The report adds that Carlo Ancelotti is Man United’s ‘ideal’ candidate, but it is acknowledged that the Italian is an ‘unrealistic candidate’ having his contract at Real Madrid until 2026 at the end of last year.
It is also possible that Man United do not sack Ten Hag this summer, with inews claiming Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford will wait until Dan Ashworth becomes sporting director before a decision on the manager is made.
