Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has revealed that he had a “secret meeting” with Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe last year.
Frank was one of England’s longest-serving managers at Brentford, but left the London club in the summer to join Spurs.
A move to a big six club has been a long time coming for the Danish head coach, but he has done an excellent job at Brentford over the years, exceeding expectations for stability in the Premier League.
Spurs have had a mixed start to the season under Frank, struggling at home and in front of goal, but are unbeaten in the Champions League group stage and in contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Tottenham are more resolute than they were under manager Ange Postecoglou, and although he has certainly improved under Frank, he revealed he could have moved to another club before moving to north London.
Read: Liverpool drop 15 places in Premier League mood rankings!
Frank is due to publish a new book in which he will “share the secrets and stories of his journey from the back door of Brøndby to the business class of Premier League football”.
Danish television station TV2 aired a preview of Frank’s book, revealing that the Spurs manager had “meetings” with Man United and Chelsea on May 24, 2024.
At the time, Man United were considering replacing Erik ten Hag, who was ultimately set to stay until October 2024. Meanwhile, Chelsea were looking for a permanent replacement for Mauricio Pochettino, ultimately appointing Enzo Maresca in July 2024.
Frank revealed how the dramatic day unfolded, claiming he and Ratcliffe met in an “improbable place”.
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He explained:
“In the morning he was sitting in club owner Jim Ratcliffe’s garage in London, an unlikely place for a meeting with Manchester United, but such is the world of football. A few hours later he entered the luxurious Mayfair Hotel near Hyde Park, and Chelsea wanted to hear for a second time how the Dane viewed the game, the people and the leadership.”
“Two meetings. Two of the biggest clubs in the world. One day. The contract had not been signed. United had brought in Ruben Amorim. Chelsea under Enzo Maresca. But for Thomas Frank, that day was proof that his name was now in the conversation at the top.”
