Manchester United hold talks with managerial replacements behind Erik ten Hag's back amid uncertainty - Reports
Manchester United have reportedly held talks with Erik ten Hag's replacements. The Red Devils are looking at options as they are not happy with the team's form under the Dutchman.
As per a Daily Mail report, Manchester United held talks with Xavi earlier this month, with chief executive Omar Berrada flying to Barcelona. The Spaniard has been without a job since the Catalan club sacked him at the end of the last season.
The Red Devils are also interested in Edin Terzic, who is also without a club. He resigned from his position at Borussia Dortmund last season despite taking them to the UEFA Champions League final.
Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim is reported to be on the shortlist, but Manchester United face competition from Manchester City for the manager. He was linked with West Ham United and Chelsea in the summer, but neither side reached an agreement with the Portuguese.
Thomas Frank is the final name on the list. The Brentford manager has been linked with the Red Devils since the summer.
Erik ten Hag is under pressure at Manchester United after a poor start to the season. The Red Devils are 10th in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League this season – winning just three matches out of eight in the English top flight and drawing all three games in Europe.
Thomas Frank comments on his Manchester United links
Brentford manager Thomas Frank commented on rumors linking him with Manchester United, saying it was disrespectful towards him and the Red Devils. He claimed that the noise should be blocked as he is focused on his club, saying (via Tribal Football):
"I think it's disrespectful towards Man United and me. It is of course flattering, but it belongs to the world of football that you do what you can to keep the noise away and focus on what I am employed for."
However, he did not rule out taking up the challenge but remarked that the job was not attractive all the time. He said (via GOAL):
"For sure, if I ever got the offer to go to a big club and I decided to go there, it would probably not make my life better. I think we all know that. Maybe it is a challenge you need to try. I don't know. It is not something I am thinking about. I have sacrificed a lot throughout my life to reach where I am now."
"In terms of sacrificing, I missed my children's birthdays for five years in a row because I was with the national team. I have been working 60, 70 hours a week for the last 30 years. I have sacrificed a lot of things. You don't know how it would be if you walked into another job," he added.
Manchester United were linked with Thomas Tuchel in the summer but the manager has been appointed as the new England boss. Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate remain as options for the Red Devils.