Three Brentford stars Thomas Frank could sign at Man Utd

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 25 Mar 2024 12:00 GMT
• 4 min read

Erik ten Hag’s status as Manchester United manager is not yet secure and the Red Devils are currently planning a contingency plan in case the Dutchman is sacked.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are not convinced by Ten Hag, and the former Ajax boss is under pressure at Old Trafford following his transfer errors over the past 18 months.

Antony and Casemiro were signed for a combined €165.7 million in 2022, but Man Utd are now targeting replacements for both players ahead of the summer transfer window, with Michael Olise and Amadou Onana among their targets.

EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd turn to Frank and NOT Southgate with Ancelotti out of reach

Ten Hag delivered a Carabao Cup trophy during his first campaign in charge and he has the chance to seal another cup success after reaching the FA Cup semi-finals.

However, his long-term future at Old Trafford isn’t confirmed and FootballTransfers have exclusively revealed that Brentford boss Thomas Frank is being considered a possible replacement, despite recent speculation linking England’s Gareth Southgate with the job.

If Frank is appointed by Man Utd, he could bring several of his Brentford stars with him.

READ MORE: Man Utd's 10 best transfers of all time

Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney has been heavily linked with a Brentford exit ahead of the summer window and he is being monitored by all of the Premier League’s biggest hitters. In fact, FootballTransfers revealed Man Utd’s interest in the England international back in August.

The form of Rasmus Hojlund means that a first-choice number nine may not be the Red Devils’ priority, but Anthony Martial’s imminent departure will leave the Dane as the only senior striker option at Old Trafford.

Toney would not accept a back-up role, but he could feasibly play in a front two with Hojlund and given the amount of competitions Man Utd are likely to be in, there will be enough minutes to go around.

Rico Henry

Rico Henry has played a grand total of 402 Premier League minutes this season due to an ACL injury suffered back in September, which means signing him would be a massive risk.

However, left-back is a problem position for Man Utd and one in which they are actively looking to upgrade, according to reports.

Henry is a fantastic player when fit and he deserves a big move to one of England’s best clubs. With his contract running out in 2026, a deal could happen this summer, especially if Frank moves to Old Trafford.

Bryan Mbeumo

Olise may be Man Utd’s priority right winger target, but Bryan Mbeumo would be a brilliant alternative.

The Frenchman stepped up big time in Toney’s absence earlier this season and with 27 goal contributions in 54 games since the start of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign, he is ready for a step up.

Man Utd have had a good historical record of signing players from within the Premier League - think Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick - and Mbeumo could be next.