Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Brentford manager Thomas Frank as a potential replacement for Ruben Amorim, whose tenure at Old Trafford has been fraught with challenges and underwhelming performances.
The club’s current predicament comes a year after INEOS took a controlling stake in Manchester United. What was initially heralded as a new era for the Red Devils has instead seen the team regress significantly, both on and off the pitch. Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership, questionable decisions regarding managerial appointments and squad planning have compounded the club’s woes.
The Struggles Under Amorim
Ruben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, has faced a torrid time since taking charge. His appointment followed United’s disastrous 2023/24 campaign, which saw them record their worst-ever Premier League finish. Despite an FA Cup triumph that secured Europa League qualification, Ten Hag was dismissed after a poor start to the 2024/25 season.
Amorim’s arrival was far from smooth. The Portuguese coach reportedly requested to delay his move until the summer to allow for proper preparation, but United’s hierarchy insisted it was “now or never.” This rushed appointment left Amorim without the benefit of a full pre-season or adequate transfer window activity, forcing him to adapt quickly to a struggling squad.
Since taking over, Amorim has failed to inspire significant improvement. His preferred 3-4-2-1 formation has not suited the players at his disposal, and results have been dismal. With just four wins in his first 14 Premier League matches and an overall win rate of 43%—the lowest for any United manager post-Sir Alex Ferguson in their first 21 games—Amorim’s position is increasingly under scrutiny.
The team’s attacking struggles have been particularly glaring. United have failed to score in six of their 14 league games under Amorim and rank among the lowest-scoring teams in the division during his tenure. This lack of firepower has only added to the mounting frustration among fans and club officials alike.
Thomas Frank: The Potential Successor
As doubts over Amorim’s future grow, reports suggest that Manchester United are considering Thomas Frank as a viable alternative. The Danish manager has earned widespread acclaim for his work at Brentford, where he has transformed the club into a competitive Premier League side since taking over in 2018.
Frank’s journey to prominence began with nearly two decades in youth coaching, including stints with Denmark’s national youth teams. He transitioned to senior management with Brøndby IF in 2013 before joining Brentford as an assistant coach in 2016. Promoted to head coach two years later, Frank guided Brentford to their first-ever Premier League promotion in 2021 and has since established them as a stable top-flight team.
Known for his tactical adaptability and player development skills, Frank has built a reputation as one of the most astute managers in English football. His ability to maximise resources and foster team cohesion could make him an ideal candidate for Manchester United, who are desperate for stability and long-term planning.
Interestingly, Frank was reportedly on United’s radar before Amorim’s appointment. Former sporting director Dan Ashworth had advocated for Frank as Ten Hag’s successor, but the club ultimately opted for Amorim. Ashworth’s subsequent departure from Old Trafford raised questions about whether disagreements over managerial choices played a role in his exit.
A Club in Crisis
The potential pursuit of Thomas Frank highlights Manchester United’s ongoing struggles under INEOS ownership. The decision-making at the top has been widely criticised, with Ratcliffe and his team accused of lacking a coherent strategy. From the sacking of Erik ten Hag to the rushed appointment of Ruben Amorim and the dismissal of Ashworth after just five months, these missteps have painted a picture of dysfunction behind the scenes.
United currently sit uncomfortably low in the Premier League table, with their tally of points at this stage marking an all-time low in the competition’s history for the club. The lack of goals, coupled with defensive frailties and inconsistent performances, has left supporters questioning whether there is any clear vision for recovery.
Should results fail to improve under Ruben Amorim in the coming weeks, Thomas Frank may find himself stepping into one of football’s most challenging roles. For now, however, both fans and pundits will be watching closely to see if Amorim can turn things around or if another managerial change is on the horizon at Old Trafford.
