Has 51-year-old Coach Labelled a 'Good Manager' by Guardiola Opened the Door for a Manchester United Switch?

Erik ten Hag's reign at Manchester United continues, as rumours of his dismissal over the international break have never materialized. Transfer expert has suggested that United's decision-makers debated the club's early troubles; he says they never considered letting the Dutchman go.

However, prior to the statements made by the European transfer guru, TEAMtalk reported that Ten Hag needed to secure his job by winning United's next two games against Brentford (October 19) and Fenerbahce (October 24) after the international break.

So far, United has won two, drawn two, and lost three of its seven league games, placing it 14th with eight points. United's predicament is disappointing, and something needs to change. amid their worst start to a Premier League campaign after seven games. One would expect that starting with the Brentford game, things will improve for United. If the situation isn't turned around, the Red Devils might be in a tricky situation when it comes to replacing Ten Hag.

Manchester United have missed out on appointing Thomas Tuchel, given he's just replaced Gareth Southgate as England boss. Tuchel was reportedly co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's preferred candidate for the top job at United. With the German out of the running, one wonders who could replace Ten Hag if he leaves.

Would Thomas Frank Say No to Manchester United?

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is an alternative to Tuchel for the United position. Pep Guardiola recently earmarked the Danish coach to take over a top club, and in his latest interview with talkSPORT, Frank left the door open for a move to Manchester United:

"I've said many times I'm very happy at Brentford. Who knows what will happen in the future. Maybe I stay here for many years. I'm open, maybe something happens... That's because it's very difficult to predict the future. Who knows what will happen. How many coaches have been at the same club more than six years? Very few."

- Thomas Frank

Frank has done an excellent job at Brentford over the last six years, and despite having a smaller budget than United, he has been able to compete in the league by playing some of the best attacking football the competition has to offer. In the league, he has guided Brentford to finishes of 13th, 9th, and 16th.

Rumours have other elite coaches, such as Zinedine Zidane, in the running to replace the under-pressure Ten Hag at Manchester United. However, Frank is one coach to watch out for if the Reds part ways with their Dutch coach, considering the 51-year-old has opened the door for them to go after him.

Interestingly, Manchester United will face Frank's Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday; could this game be an Old Trafford audition for the Dane?

ALSO READ: Man United to cash in on Rashford or Fernandes to sign PL star?
ALSO READ: Fans urge Ten Hag to use youngster against Brentford