Why Thomas Frank would be a perfect Man United manager - just ...

So, will he be the chosen one?

That much is difficult to predict, especially when you consider men of the calibre of Xavi, Gareth Southgate, Ruben Amorim and caretaker boss Rudd van Nistelrooy are in contention alongside him.

Had we been talking about the old regime at Old Trafford you would almost certainly rule him out, but there’s a feeling that Jim Ratcliffe might have a more enlightened approach. United have often ‘gone large’ in the desperation for trophies – Ten Hag, Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal – or ‘gone home’ by appointing fan favourites such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick.

This time there’s an opportunity to do something different and focus on talent, innovation and character – three categories in which Frank ranks highly despite never having managed a so-called ‘big’ club.

As a Brentford fan, it feels almost disloyal to write Frank’s CV for United to browse through, but he deserves every bit of the credit coming his way – and Brentford’s hope is their unique environment of unity, clarity and togetherness, will keep him in west London.

Here, however, are Frank’s top qualities from a Brentford point of view:

Man management: 

This is where Frank scores highest. Down to earth, human, caring and sociable, but with an edge when needed, the 51-year-old embodies everything that is good about Brentford Football Club – and every single player will tell you the same. He gets the best of out of players through being a real human being with a relentlessly positive approach.

Tactics: 

Frank has access to all manner of stats and innovation at Brentford, and he’s been open-minded enough to use them. He’s had throw-in coaches, set-piece coaches, even sleep coaches to work with. But there’s way more to his tactical nous than that. A previous manager in west London once said ‘Plan B is to do Plan A better’. But Frank has Plans A-Z, for every single situation. Opposition never know which way the Bees will line up, but even if they do it will change regularly in gametime. There’s a formation for being 1-0 down with 15 minutes to go - and another for 5 minutes to go. There’s a formation for playing possession-based sides and long-ball sides. There’s one for playing with 10 men, too. And every single one has been expertly drilled.

When the Premier League suggested a new five-substitute rule, many smaller clubs opposed it, fearing it would give the big boys, with internationals on the bench, an advantage. But Frank welcomed it – he saw it as a tactical opportunity.

Pressing: 

Manchester United have struggled to adapt to a pressing style for years now, they never seem to get it right. Brentford have perfected it, and Frank has drilled it in over a number of seasons to the extent that it is effective even against the very best in the division.

Playing style: 

Brentford have sometimes been branded as a long-ball team who rely on set-pieces; but that isn’t true. Yes, they excel on set pieces and, when Ivan Toney was up front, utilised his particular skillset. But that was a deliberate ploy to survive the early years in the Premier League. Since then, Frank has been what he describes as ‘adding layers’. Each year, his team are increasing possession and updating their style of play. With no Toney, they now utilise a completely mobile front three - and long balls are heading out wide to wingers, not through the middle. Many of their goals are now the result of fast one-touch passing.

Coaching ability: Perhaps the biggest compliment you can give Frank and his coaching team is that as a fan you can see players improve in front of your eyes. Every season, somebody makes dramatic progress. This year it’s Mikel Damsgaard, Keane Lewis-Potter and Nathan Collins.

Media relations: 

Watching Ten Hag and predecessors such as Mourinho and Van Gaal moan and growl their way through press conferences has been painful. By contrast, Frank is open, human and charming. He’ll answer difficult questions honestly, humorously and humbly. A breath of fresh air that is authentically Brentford.

Positivity: 

For the United fans whose chants of ‘attack, attack, attack’ have been delivered out of frustration rather than excitement in recent years, Frank’s positivity is a big contrast. He often ends a press conference by saying ‘we’re going out to attack’ (even when playing the big boys) and it’s a philosophy that has won him friends. Especially after a string of first-minute goals.

There are, of course, reasons why Frank may not be the right man for Old Trafford.

He hasn’t yet managed a top-six club or big-name players. His coaching skills may not be as effective when training time is limited due to European football in midweek. He isn’t the big name that United fans may be craving.

He has admitted, too, that moving to a big club may not make him happier and that perhaps he has already found his perfect home.

After all, there’s a burning desire to win a trophy at Brentford or to get the club into Europe, which is not beyond their capabilities.

Like every Bees fan, I’m hoping with every sinew that our manager stays put to deliver those dreams – and that being on United’s shortlist gives him another boost of confidence to believe he can do it.

Ask me if he could do a good job at Old Trafford if called upon, however, then the answer is equally unequivocal. There's little doubt about that.

But let's just keep it quiet until Xavi is in the house...

Other contenders:

Xavi: The former Barcelona coach is 3/1 favourite for the role with many bookmakers – and you can see why. He won the title for Barca with an entertaining style and also brought in exciting young players. He fits the brand.

Rudd van Nistelrooy: Should he do well as caretaker, then fan favourite van Nistelrooy must have a chance of keeping the job, and is second favourite to do so. The question is does he have enough experience to do it? He certainly knows the club inside out, that’s for sure.

Gareth Southgate: The former England manager has already said he wants a year out and won’t be taking any jobs. But could he make an exception for United? He’s 10/1 with the bookies. Of course, the argument against him is that he’s had a limited and patchy record in club management, despite earning respect for reviving England.

Ruben Amorim: The Sporting Lisbon man, who was one of the favourites to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, has gone out to 11-1, which is a surprise. He looks an obvious contender for his style of football.

Julian Nagelsmann: The German is young, only 37, and that’s the way management is going these days. He’s renowned for an exciting style of play and revitalised Germany at the recent European Championships. Some reports suggest United are already plotting an approach, which may shorten his odds.