Brentford boss Thomas Frank has leapt to the defence of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, slamming the heavy flak that's been fired at the Dutchman amid a challenging start to the season.
Despite only claiming two victories from the first seven league games, and intense rumours that he might have been axed during the international break, United have for now stuck by Ten Hag following talks between the club's chiefs last week.
With Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate now off the table, Frank has been tipped as a serious contender should Ten Hag fail to turn around United's fortunes.
But as speculation continues, Frank firmly stood up for Ten Hag, remarking on the pressures of football management in his pre-match press conference before Man Utd host Brentford.
"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, but if a team lose then the head coach is s***."
The highly-regarded Brentford tactician, who nearly masterminded an upset at Old Trafford last term before a last-ditch double from Scott McTominay secured a narrow win for Ten Hag, will see his team challenge United again on Saturday.
United chiefs, amid their ongoing evaluation of Ten Hag's position, will be able to get a close look at Frank this weekend at Old Trafford.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is a known admirer of Frank, and he is convinced that his counterpart will one day get the opportunity to manage a top club.
Despite now being in his sixth year with the Bees, Frank has hinted at a potential move down the line. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I've said many times I'm very happy at Brentford. Who knows what will happen in the future. Maybe I stay here for many years. I'm open, maybe something happens."
On the swirling United rumours, Frank replied: "Every club, every coach, all kinds of situations. I have this nice little principle that I never speak about players that are not in my club because I don't know them well enough. And I don't speak about speculation either way."
