Sky Sports reporter Dougie Critchley has backed West Ham United to make an audacious move for Brentford manager Thomas Frank if Julen Lopetegui was to be replaced at the helm.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel, Critchley said: “If he [Lopetegui] was removed from his job, I think Thomas Frank would be a really, really smart appointment.
“Thomas Frank, I would love for him to get a traditional Big Six job as I mentioned with Man United, I think he would do a very effective job there as well.”
The Danish manager has been sporadically linked with a move to the Red Devils as Erik ten Hag edges ever closer to the sack after a very poor start to the season. The Dutchman reportedly avoided the sack after a crisis meeting in the United boardroom, but a defeat against Frank’s Brentford this weekend could potentially see the end of the former Ajax man at Old Trafford.
“It maybe feels like he might have missed the boat now that Ange Postecoglou’s at Spurs, are Man United are going to take a leap to go for Thomas Frank? That would feel very bold given his record is at Brentford really, it’s not any higher than that.
A move to West Ham would be a lot more realistic for Frank, and is probably the type of manager that would fit in in East London. The former Brøndby manager’s teams are capable of playing some expansive football at times, however, he is also known for his more pragmatic and affective style of football.
The Hammers have struggled with the transition from David Moyes’ defensive counter-attacking style to Lopetegui’s attacking possession-based system. A manager like Frank who is more than proven in the Premier League and is very capable of shifting his system to one that gets him the best results
Critchley continued: “I would love to see him get a chance at a club like West Ham because I do think he really deserves it I think if a club like West Ham came to the table for Thomas Frank, I think he would really consider it.”
However, Julen Lopetegui’s job isn’t under any immediate pressure after a huge win over Ipswich at the London Stadium last Saturday. So, a move for Frank likely hasn’t even been suggested by Hammers bosses as of yet.