Thomas Frank jumps to defence of under-fire rival Erik ten Hag in x-rated rant ahead of potential Man United audition this weekend

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Thomas Frank has defended under pressure Erik ten Hag ahead of Brentford's trip to Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Bees face 14th-placed Manchester United with Ten Hag's career at the Red Devils hanging in the balance.

United sit on just eight points after their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, with Brentford three places above them and two points better off.

Ten Hag has come under immense scrutiny for his team's form, but his opposite number Frank believes he is judged too harshly.

'It's incredible how much scrutiny he's had to face,' Frank told the Brentford website. 'As a head coach, I acknowledge how it feels to be in a situation like this. I think [the criticism] is too much,' said Frank.

Thomas Frank (left) believes Erik ten Hag (right) is criticised 'too much' for his results

Frank takes Brentford to Old Trafford on Saturday in a bid to pile more misery on Man United

'He's clearly a good coach, he's won two trophies in two seasons. But I understand how it is: if the team wins, the head coach is absolutely fantastic; if the team loses, the head coach is absolutely s***! Whereas it's probably somewhere in between.'

United have won just two of their seven league games so far this season, leaving Ten Hag's future up in the air.

After England appointed United's number one candidate to replace Ten Hag, Thomas Tuchel, on Wednesday, Thomas Frank could come into the frame.

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Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe hosted a six-hour executive committee meeting at Ineos headquarters in Knightsbridge with senior figures last week.

It is believed that Ten Hag's position was discussed during the conference, but the club are yet to make a decision on the manager's future.

Ratcliffe insisted that Ten Hag's future is 'not my call' when questioned on the manager's future ahead of United's draw with Aston Villa before the international break.

Mail Sport understands that any decision regarding the Dutchman's position will be made by Ratcliffe himself, Joel Glazer, and Sir Dave Brailsford.

Their verdict will be based on recommendations from Man United chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe (centre) hosted a six-hour meeting at Ineos headquarters last week

Ten Hag's future is up in the air with United sat 14th after seven Premier League games so far

In the meantime, Ten Hag remains in charge and he is set to face a Brentford side who have scored inside the first two minutes of each of their last four league games.

Despite United's poor form of late, Frank knows his Bees team need to be at their best to get a win at Old Trafford.

'I don't really pay too much attention to (form),' he added. The only thing I focus on is how we can make sure we are up there and how we can do everything we can to perform and come out flying - and hopefully we score early again.'