Thomas Frank, the manager of Brentford, has expressed reservations about taking the highly coveted Manchester United job, citing that it may not make his life better. The 49-year-old Danish coach has been heavily linked to the Old Trafford hotseat, with the Reds looking to appoint a new boss after an underwhelming start to the 2024/25 season.
In an interview on The Sports Agents podcast, Frank candidly spoke about the potential challenges and sacrifices that come with managing a top club like Manchester United. “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,” he said. “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.”
Frank’s sobering assessment highlights the immense pressure and stress that comes with managing a Premier League giant like Manchester United. His keen sense of self-awareness is a refreshing departure from the usual bombast and bravado often associated with top-flight managers.
Frank’s decision to speak truthfully about the realities of taking on a top job is a testament to his humility and sincerity. At a time when many would be tempted to hyperbole and self-aggrandizement, Frank remains grounded and honest, acknowledging that success at a club like Manchester United would not necessarily lead to a better quality of life.
In a world where egos often run unchecked, Frank’s words serve as a reminder that true leaders, like the ones at the helm of Brentford, prioritize restraint, duty, and a deep understanding of what it truly means to be a top-flight manager.
As the search for Erik ten Hag’s successor continues, with former England manager Gareth Southgate and assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy also in the frame, Frank’s frank assessment serves as a timely reminder that, above all, the Manchester United job is not the panacea for every manager seeking a challenge.
