Manchester United 'hold talks with two managerial candidates'

By Ben Sully | 26 May 2024

Man United 'hold talks with two managerial candidates'

Manchester United reportedly hold talks with Brentford boss Thomas Frank and former Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino over the manager's role at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have reportedly held talks with Thomas Frank and Mauricio Pochettino over the manager's position at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag is at risk of losing his job as Man United boss despite leading the club to a 2-1 victory in Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Prior to the Wembley showdown, reports emerged that the Man United hierarchy had decided to sack Ten Hag irrespective of the result in the FA Cup final.

Ten Hag's position has come under increased scrutiny since INEOS acquired a minority stake in the club earlier this year.

INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe refused to offer a response when he was asked about Ten Hag's position following the club's FA Cup triumph.

In contrast to the Man United co-owner, Ten Hag provided a defiant response to questions about his future, insisting that he will continue to win trophies whether that is at Old Trafford or with another club.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank applauds fans after the match on April 3, 2024 © Reuters

Man United hold talks with Frank, Pochettino

The Man United hierarchy are expected to make a decision on Ten Hag's future when they hold an end-of-season review this week.

Club officials have already held discussions with potential candidates as they weigh up whether to change manager ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

According to The Telegraph, Man United have held talks with representatives of Brentford's Frank and former Chelsea manager Pochettino.

After being appointed Brentford boss in 2018, Frank has transformed the Bees from a Championship side into an established Premier League outfit.

The Dane recently revealed that the links with Man United were "flattering" but admitted that he could see himself working at Brentford "for many more years."

Ex-Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino on May 11, 2024 © Reuters

Man United considering potential Ten Hag replacements

Man United would have to pay a release clause to prise Frank away from Brentford, with the 50-year-old under contract until the summer of 2027.

Meanwhile, Pochettino is currently back on the job hunt after leaving his role as Chelsea head coach by mutual consent.

Despite experiencing some difficult moments, Pochettino still managed to guide Chelsea to a sixth-placed finish, an EFL Cup final and a FA Cup final.

In addition to Frank and Pochettino, Man United have already been in contact with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, who has plenty of suitors after guiding the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions.

Thomas Tuchel is also thought to be one of the main contenders following his recent departure from German giants Bayern Munich.

England boss Gareth Southgate is another name that has been mentioned, but he will not discuss his future until after Euro 2024.