Revealed: Man United 'held secret talks with Thomas Frank over replacing Erik ten Hag while he travelled to the FA Cup final'

Manchester United held talks with representatives of Brentford boss Thomas Frank while Erik ten Hag and his side travelled to Wembley to contest the FA Cup final, a report has claimed.

The Red Devils confirmed the Dutchman would remain as their United head coach on Tuesday night, abandoning their ongoing search for a new manager.

United, who are now discussing a new contract with the former Ajax manager, headed into the summer with a list of potential candidates to replace Ten Hag after an underwhelming season at Old Trafford.

The Manchester club closed out the campaign with a club record low finish of eighth in the Premier League but still managed to qualify for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup at Wembley.

That shock victory over rivals Manchester City proved crucial in saving his job, with the search for his replacement so intense that club officials were holding talks with a prospective candidate on the eve of the final, according to The Telegraph. 

They claim that Frank's team met with the Red Devils on the same day the squad travelled to London before their 2-1 win on May 25. 

The Danish coach was reported to be a 'strong' candidate for the role last month. He has had a major impact with Brentford since taking over in October 2018, transforming them from a mid-table Championship club to a consistent Premier League outfit, with the Bees finishing 13th and ninth and 16th in their three top flight campaigns.

Frank reportedly has an existing relationship with INEOS, while he has also linked up with Sir Dave Brailsford, the group's director of sport, before their investment in United.

In addition to the Bees boss, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel, who distanced himself from the role following talks with Ratcliffe in Monaco last week, were all initially viewed as potential successors by INEOS should Ten Hag be given the boot.

While considering all different outcomes, Manchester United are said to have come to a clear conclusion that Ten Hag, 54, was the best man for the job.

Mail Sport understands that United officials want to see how Ten Hag operates under what they believe will be a new structure aimed at ensuring he is given the best opportunity to succeed.

Considerations for United's uneven campaign, such as an ever-growing injury list and teething problems with a number of new signings, are also thought to have contributed to INEOS' decision.

Omar Berrada is due to arrive from Manchester City as chief executive on July 13. Jason Wilcox has already joined as technical director while talks are ongoing to bring Dan Ashworth to Old Trafford from Newcastle as sporting director.

Discussions with Ten Hag are thought to have been positive with both club and manager aligned. Talks on a contract extension have opened.