Thomas Frank defends Erik ten Hag from ‘incredible scrutiny’ as Brentford boss says under-fire coach not to blame for Man Utd struggles

Despite United spending approximately £200 million ($261 million) during the summer transfer window to strengthen their squad, they find themselves in the lower half of the Premier League table after seven matches, sitting three places and two points behind Frank’s Brentford side.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United’s disappointing run has included several poor results, with their most recent home match resulting in a humbling 3-0 defeat to Tottenham last month. This weekend’s fixture against Brentford is the Red Devils’ first at Old Trafford since that loss, and the pressure on Ten Hag has only increased as the team has struggled to find consistency. Following that defeat, United drew back-to-back matches, first against Porto in the Champions League and then at Aston Villa, before heading into the international break.

  WHAT THOMAS FRANK SAID

  Despite the dwindling results, Frank believes that the growing criticism aimed at Ten Hag is unwarranted.

  “It’s incredible how much scrutiny he’s had to face,” he said. “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 sh*t! 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.”

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Interestingly, Frank himself has been mentioned as a potential successor to Ten Hag should United decide to make a managerial change. However, the Brentford boss was quick to dismiss such talk. In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Frank reiterated his happiness at Brentford but left the door slightly open for future opportunities.

  “I’ve said many times I’m very happy here,” he said. “Who knows what happens in the future? I’m open, but right now, I’m just working hard every day to make Brentford better.”
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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  As United prepare to host Brentford, the pressure on Ten Hag continues to grow. Undoubtedly, the Bees will pose a stern test and will look to add to United’s woes and continue their steady rise under Frank’s leadership.