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Rob Dawson, Correspondent
Brentford manager Thomas Frank is among the candidates Manchester United are considering to replace Erik ten Hag, a source has told ESPN.
Ten Hag was sacked by United on Monday after a run of four wins from 13 games in all competitions this season.
Frank was one of the names in the frame to replace Ten Hag in the summer before the club decided to keep faith with the Dutchman.
A source has told ESPN that Frank is again high up on United’s list of targets, although he is under contract at Brentford until 2027 having joined in 201. Agreeing to a deal that would allow the 51-year-old to leave the club is considered a major stumbling block.
He has previously played down talk of leaving Gtech Community Stadium, but a source has told ESPN that United are set to enquire about his availability as they search for their next permanent manager.
United declined to comment when approached by ESPN.
Asked about his future at a news conference on Monday, Frank said: “I’ve said many, many times I’m very happy here. What happens in the future, who knows? I’m very, very happy here.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been handed the job on a caretaker basis following Ten Hag’s dismissal and is set to be in charge for the Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Other potential candidates for the permanent job include Gareth Southgate.
Southgate has indicated he will not coach again until next summer after leaving his role with England following defeat in the Euro 2024 final.
However, he has a longstanding relationship with Ineos director of sport and United board member Sir Dave Brailsford and worked at the Football Association with sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Ashworth also worked with Graham Potter during their time together at Brighton. Potter has been out of work since his sacking by Chelsea in April 2023.
A source has told ESPN that Potter would be of interest to Brentford if they lose Frank.
Sources on both sides have downplayed speculation that United are interested in former Barcelona manager Xavi.
Another potential candidate, Sporting Lisbon boss Rúben Amorim, dismissed links with the United job at a news conference on Monday.
“I was already expecting this question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment,” he said.
“I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”
A source has told ESPN that the United squad did not train on Monday after being informed of Ten Hag’s departure.
The players are set to train with Van Nistelrooy and assistant Rene Hake at Carrington on Tuesday before facing Leicester on Wednesday. United’s next Premier League game is against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
