Man United 'held Thomas Frank talks' on eve of cup final in ‘madness’ moment before Ten Hag call

Erik ten Hag will remain as the head coach of Manchester United for the 2024/25 season after a lengthy review was conducted by the club hierarchy.

After enjoying a decent first year at Old Trafford, Ten Hag and United struggled in the second season with the club finishing eighth in the Premier League. The FA Cup final win over Manchester City did end the campaign on a positive note but uncertainty over the Dutchman's future continued to mount.

It took 17 days for a decision to be made and club sources confirmed late on Tuesday that Ten Hag will remain in charge. Talks have now opened over an extension of his contract in a statement of support from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

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However, things could have been very different. Speculation surfaced over candidates to replace Ten Hag with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Kieran McKenna all linked.

Brentford's Thomas Frank was also a name mentioned and according to the Telegraph, the club held talks with his representatives while Ten Hag and the United squad travelled to Wembley for the FA Cup final.

Frank was reported to be a 'strong' candidate for United to replace Ten Hag. After taking over the Bees in 2018, he took them to the Premier League and has since recorded three campaigns in the top flight.

The decision to delay Ten Hag's status at the club has resulted in some in the football world slamming the hierarchy's uncertainty. Former United midfield Paul Ince has blasted United's thinking behind the scenes.

“Now it looks to me like they're trying to look for other managers to see who are prepared to go to Manchester United, having meetings with Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, that is a lack of respect, it’s disrespectful for the manager at the football club," he told Bet365.

“I'd hate to think that I'm managing a football team and my colleagues are out talking to other managers while you're sitting in the job. Surely there has to be a lack of respect.‌

“There has to be and I think it's so unfair on Ten Hag I really, really do. It's total madness what's going on here. Don't kind of play this game where you are calling other managers, Pochettino or Roberto Di Zerbi or whoever, before making your decision.

“You have to question if they have 100% faith in Ten Hag.”