Revealed: Dan Ashworth wanted Brentford's Thomas Frank as Man Utd replacement for Erik ten Hag prior to leaving club - with Ruben Amorim appointed by CEO Omar Berrada

Ashworth, who left the club in December, highlighted the Bees boss as his top choice for the job, according to The Sun. He was then overruled by CEO Omar Berrada, who chose to appoint Ruben Amorim instead.

The club's minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who leads the club's football operations, spent £25m hiring and firing Ashworth, who had appointed Gareth Southgate as England manager, Graham Potter as Brighton boss and Eddie Howe as Newcastle's head coach. Berrada was appointed from Manchester City by Ratcliffe and was entrusted to make the big decision on Ten Hag's successor.

Frank has turned Brentford into an established Premier League club, with his adaptability in terms of playing style and experience in England catching the eye of Ashworth. Amorim was preferred but has won nine of his 21 matches in charge.

United sit 15th in the Premier League table, as close to the relegation zone as seventh place in terms of points, and face an uphill battle to salvage anything from their league campaign. Amorim's side are still fighting for the FA Cup and Europa League.