Frank and Amorim are on Ten Hag's successor list at Man United – sources

Brentford manager Thomas Frank and Sporting CP boss Rúben Amorim are among the candidates Manchester United are considering to replace Erik ten Hag, a source has told ESPN.

Ten Hag was released by United on Monday after claiming four wins in 13 games in all competitions this season.

Frank's was one of the names set to replace Ten Hag in the summer before the club decided to remain loyal to the Dutchman.

A source has told ESPN that Frank is once again at the top of United's list of targets despite being contracted to Brentford until 2027, having joined as an assistant in 2016 before taking the main job in 2018. Agreeing on a deal that would make this possible The 51-year-old's departure from the club is considered a major stumbling block.

He had previously played down talk of leaving the Gtech Community Stadium, but a source has told ESPN that United will inquire about his availability as they search for their next permanent manager.

Amorim was cautious about links to the United job at a press conference on Monday, although sources have told ESPN that his release clause at Sporting is lower than Frank's at Brentford.

“I was already expecting this question and of course I won't talk about the future because otherwise I'll always have to comment,” he said.

“I’m very proud to be Sporting’s coach, that’s all.”

United declined to comment when contacted by ESPN.

Asked about his future at a press conference on Monday, Frank said: “I have said many times that I am very happy here. What will happen in the future, who knows? I’m very, very happy here.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been handed the caretaker job following Ten Hag's sacking and is expected to take charge of Wednesday's Carabao Cup game against Leicester City at Old Trafford.

Other potential candidates for the permanent position include Gareth Southgate.

Southgate has hinted he will not return to coaching until next summer after leaving his role at England following their defeat in the Euro 2024 final.

However, he has a long-standing relationship with Ineos sporting director and United board member Sir Dave Brailsford and worked with sporting director Dan Ashworth at the Football Association.

Ashworth also worked with Graham Potter during their time together in Brighton. Potter has been unemployed since being released by Chelsea in April 2023.

A source has told ESPN that Potter would be of interest to Brentford if they lose Frank.

Sources on both sides have played down speculation that United are interested in former Barcelona manager Xavi.

A source told ESPN that the United squad did not train on Monday after being informed of Ten Hag's departure.

The players will train with Van Nistelrooy and his assistant Rene Hake at Carrington on Tuesday before facing Leicester on Wednesday. United's next Premier League game is against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.