"He's a good coach" - Thomas Frank defends under-fire Erik ten Hag amid links with replacing him at Manchester United

Thomas Frank has defended Erik ten Hag amid scrutiny the Manchester United manager is receiving. The Danish coach will take Brentford to Old Trafford on Saturday (October 19) while pressure grows on the Red Devils boss.

Frank spoke highly of Ten Hag and argued that criticism of the Dutchman was unfair. He said (via BBC Sport's Simon Stone):

"Incredible the amount of scrutiny he faces - as a head coach we acknowledge how it is to be like this - clearly he’s a good coach - when a team wins the head coach is great if a team lose then the head coach is **** (not)."

Manchester United have made their worst start to a Premier League campaign seven games in. Three defeats and two wins have the Red Devils sitting 14th in the league, and Ten Hag's future is the hot topic of speculation.

Ten Hag signed a new one-year contract extension in the summer but has struggled to oversee a turnaround at Old Trafford. Frank's Brentford arrive in Manchester two points above the hosts in 11th place.

Manchester United's co-owners, INEOS, met to discuss the poor start to the season. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims discussions were centred around turning things around rather than considering a managerial change.

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Thomas Frank is reportedly in the frame to replace Ten Hag at Manchester United

Thomas Frank has earned plaudits during his Brentford reign (Image - Getty)

Frank appears to support Ten Hag, but the Bees manager is a potential option to replace the Dutchman. He was among the candidates listed by several outlets in the summer, and INEOS interviewed him during an end-of-season review.

The Daily Mail reports that Frank has emerged as a leading contender to become Manchester United manager if Ten Hag departs. His stock in English football is growing amid a superb reign at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Frank guided Brentford to Premier League promotion for the first time in their history in 2021. He's turned the west London outfit into a consistent mid-table team in the English top-flight, finishing 13th, 9th and 16th.

The Bees have won 122 of 283 games under the Dane, who has just over two years on his contract. He commented on his future this week (via Sky Sports):

"Right now I am happy here, then we'll see what happens in the future."

Frank has implemented an attacking brand of football at the Gtech. His Bees are fast starters, often scoring in the first 10 minutes of games this season.