'What happens in the future…' – Thomas Frank delivers intriguing reaction to Erik ten Hag sacking as Brentford boss is quizzed on Man Utd job

Thomas Frank has reacted to Manchester United's sacking of Erik ten Hag as the Brentford boss opens up on reports linking him with the Red Devils.

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• Man Utd part ways with Erik ten Hag
• Thomas Frank linked with vacant job
• Brentford boss opens up on rumours

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United and INEOS finally made the decision to part ways with Ten Hag after months of speculation as the Red Devils struggled to find their footing since the start of the season. The Red Devils have a number of names on their shortlist to take over at Old Trafford, including Brentford boss Frank. The Bees' head coach has now reacted to Ten Hag's sacking and opened up on reports linking him with the vacant role at United.

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  WHAT FRANK SAID

  Speaking to the media, Frank responded when asked about the Manchester United job: “It’s a very delicate question. I’ve got a big responsibility to Brentford, the fans, [owner] Matthew [Denham], the leadership, the staff, and I’ve got one focus and that’s to do our best and beat Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.

  “I’ve said many, many times but I’m very happy here. It’s one of the best clubs in the world. What happens in the future, who knows? But I’m very, very happy here."

  When asked if he had the right to talk with other clubs after six year with Brentford, he said: “It’s difficult for me to say – that’s a hypothetical situation. I always try to be as transparent as possible. I’ll repeat myself. I’m very happy here and I can see myself being here for a long, long time in the future.

  “Of course, I’ve also said that maybe if something comes up and I think, ‘That’s an opportunity I’d like to try’, okay let’s see. But for now, no, I’m very, very happy here.

  "It’s more difficult [to focus] when you guys keep asking questions. I just want to focus on Sheffield Wednesday and focus on winning the game. But I get it’s a part of it.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Frank was also questioned about how he felt for Ten Hag after being sacked by Manchester United this early in the season, to which the Danish coach responded: “Of course, I feel for Erik. He is a great coach and has a great career. He did a good job at Manchester United, two trophies in two years.

  “It’s a non-stop developing football world and that is more than acceptable. At these big clubs, there are massive expectations but there has to be a reality check. There are three teams in Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool who look to be above everyone.

  “When you are head coach you always feel for guys who lose their jobs. It’s life. It happens. There are better people to judge that (improvement). He had a very good first season and had more than a few injury problems.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  The Manchester United top brass will be hard at work finding a potential replacement for Ten Hag. For the moment Ruud van Nistelrooy will serve as the interim coach till a decision can be reached.