Cerebral, wholesome and unique – Thomas Frank should not consider Man Utd

Thomas Frank once said that he would only ever consider leaving Brentford if the opportunity awaiting him was an extraordinary one.

And, to be fair, your life would become a fair bit extraordinary if you became the new manager of Manchester United. Not necessarily for the better, either.

The Telegraph revealed on Tuesday that Frank is a strong contender for the Old Trafford hot-seat should their INEOS decision-makers decide to part ways with Erik ten Hag.

Having worked in a strong and dependable structure at Brentford that United are trying to replicate at an elite level, it would make sense for both Frank and the Red Devils to be interested in such a move, but it’s a platonic admiration that should probably keep its distance.

There is a charm about Frank that has been allowed to flourish at Brentford – a community club tucked within one of the world’s most significant cities. The charisma, the dad-swagger, the open-and-honest nature, the kind-and-friendly demeanour, the loveable-and-effable manager.

That is not what United are about. It can’t be what they’re about.

United and Brentford are worlds apart. Frank has not just been along for the ride with the Bees, but has led it and, knowingly or unknowingly, built it around himself.

What sets Frank apart from other Premier League managers is his personality and how that transmits to his teams. That’s easier to implement when you’re out of the spotlight and the majority of the press about you is positive, even if that’s been earned and deserved. The furnace and fires of the leaky Old Trafford would not be so kind, particularly if results are not immediate.

Frank’s career path is unique. He did not play professionally. Barely even semi-professionally. He was a teacher, worked in a kindergarten, started out in youth coaching and made his way up that ladder. When he made it to the dugout of Danish giants Brondby, he was hounded out after receiving online criticism from the chairman on a burner account.

Every inch has been fought for by Frank. Every ounce of potential has been maximised to the fullest. Being hired by United would momentarily make his career a fairytale story, but so much uncertainty remains over the club’s operations.

INEOS’ plans could take a while to get going. They may never get off the ground at all, such is the unknown in football. If Frank wants a move to a top club, then other more stable solutions should present themselves.

Perhaps most…