Man Utd manager latest as sensational duo 'assessed' amid Erik ten Hag uncertainty

The future of Erik ten Hag remains uncertain at Manchester United amid reports that Thomas Frank and Gareth Southgate have been 'assessed' as potential successors.

Ten Hag is under renewed pressure at United following a run of consecutive Premier League defeats for the first time since September. Sunday's 3-1 loss at Manchester City highlighted the chasm between both Manchester clubs in a stark reminder for new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The INEOS chief is expected to make a decision on Ten Hag at the end of the season but is thought to be laying the foundations for a new appointment, should he decide to part ways with the Dutchman. Roberto De Zerbi has been heavily linked and while ESPN have named the Italian as an option, they also claim Frank and Southgate are on the shortlist of potential replacements.

Frank has been a revelation at Brentford, leading them to promotion from the Championship back in 2021 and consecutive comfortable finishes in the top-flight. The London club finished 13th in their debut campaign in the league before climbing up to ninth last season, an incredible achievement given their relatively small budget.

United have seen first-hand what Frank can do, with the Dane thrashing Ten Hag's side 4-0 in what was only his second game as manager of the Reds back in 2022. His openness to Brentford's data-led approach is also thought to be appealing, given Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are keen to follow suit.

Southgate has been labelled a' 'outsider' for the job but could be looking for work if he decides to leave his role as England manager after this summer's European Championships in Germany. The 53-year-old has not been involved in club-level football since being sacked by Middlesbrough in 2007 but has seen his stock rise at international level and would be in demand if England win the Euros.

Southgate has maintained a close relationship with Dan Ashworth, who was the FA's director of elite development between 2012 and 2016. He is also thought to have worked with INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford in the past.

Ten Hag could still remain in post beyond the summer but may only do so if he qualifies for the Champions League and wins a trophy, which would equal last season's achievements. That looks unlikely, however, with United facing Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals and 11 points short of Aston Villa in fourth-place.