Intriguingly, the report touches on Frank’s pre-existing relationship with Ineos. He has previously linked up with Ratcliffe’s right-hand man, Sir Dave Brailsford, who is now involved at Old Trafford.
United are looking for a head coach who would be able to work in the set-up Ineos are building behind the scenes. Frank fits the bill in that respect but is contracted to Brentford until 2027.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, is not expected to discover whether or not he will return for the final year of his contract until after the FA Cup final against Manchester City, which takes place later this month.
The former Ajax chief has had to live with rumours and speculation about his future all season after struggling to emulate his achievements in the 2022/23 campaign, where United qualified for the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup.
Ten Hag recently insisted he wasn’t bothered by Ineos’ failure to back him publicly. Speaking last week, he said: That’s my job to speak to you. That’s why I’m the manager, to give the answers.
