Gareth Southgate snubbed with Manchester United identifying new ‘top target’

Despite recent links with England manager Gareth Southgate, new reports suggest that he will be snubbed if Manchester United can get their top target.

As rumours over Erik ten Hag‘s future at Manchester United continue to circulate, discussions on who could replace him have been ongoing.

Despite disappointing performances with England over the international break, it is believed that Gareth Southgate is admired by Sir Dave Brailsford, the right-hand man of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and has emerged as a top candidate.

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But, according to FootballTransfers, the Three Lions boss will not be United’s preferred manager should Ten Hag leave the club this summer.

Instead, Brentford’s Thomas Frank has been earmarked for the job following a six-year tenure with Brentford which saw them rise from the Championship to ninth in the Premier League last season.

INEOS are said to be impressed by the Danish manager’s ability to identify and coach some of the best young prospects in the league, including Brentford talisman Ivan Toney

The 50-year-old is under contract with the Bees until 2027 but has been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Chelsea, in recent months.

But, Frank is yet to win any major silverware as a manager and his lack of experience with a ‘big’ club could be seen as a stumbling block ahead of a move to Old Trafford.

However, with Ten Hag’s departure still seen as a 50/50 decision by INEOS, a lot could change between now and the summer, and we could see any of Ten Hag, Southgate or Frank in the Manchester United dugout next season.