THOMAS FRANK has leapt to Erik ten Hag’s defence ahead of Brentford’s trip to Manchester United this weekend.
The Bees face a Red Devils side in the midst of their worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
Brentford go into the weekend 11th in the table, three places and two points above Man Utd.
This weekend’s match will be the Red Devils’ first at Old Trafford since a humbling 3-0 defeat to Tottenham last month.
Despite United’s poor start to the season, Frank believes that pressure mounting on Ten Hag is “too much”.
Previewing the game for Brentford’s club media, the 51-year-old said: “It’s incredible how much scrutiny he’s had to face.
“As a head coach, I acknowledge how it feels to be in a situation like this. I think [the criticism] is too much.
“He’s clearly a good coach, he’s won two trophies in two seasons.
“But I understand how it is: if the team wins, the head coach is absolutely fantastic; if the team loses, the head coach is absolutely s***! Whereas it’s probably somewhere in between.
“It’s never only the head coach, or the players, or the fans, or the board – it’s a combination of all of these things.”
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Following the defeat to Spurs, Man Utd drew matches at Porto and Aston Villa prior to the international break.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe subsequently met with other United board members in London, although Ten Hag remains in position for this weekend’s game.
Thomas Tuchel had been linked with the potential vacancy, only to rule himself out by taking the England job.
Gareth Southgate has also been touted for the role, but recently vowed that he will not manage in the next 12 months.
Frank himself has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Old Trafford hotseat.
Having been linked with the Red Devils, Frank spoke to talkSPORT about his future.
He began: “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.
“But first and foremost, very happy, just working very hard every day to make the club better.”
Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten Hag
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.
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