Sir Jim Ratcliffe interviewed Premier League manager in his garage for Man United job

Add as preferred source on Google

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos went through a shortlist of managerial candidates before landing on Ruben Amorim last season.

Ineos began looking for a new manager at the end of the 2023/24 season despite Erik ten Hag winning the FA Cup.

At the time, sporting director Dan Ashworth favoured Gareth Southgate or Graham Potter. Thomas Tuchel was interviewed for the role but ended up taking charge of England.

Ultimately, Ten Hag was kept around for a few more months before he was sacked at the end of October.

Omar Berrada pushed for Ruben Amorim to become United’s next head coach, and the rest is history.

Thomas Frank opens up on Man United job interview

Tuchel was only one of several candidates interviewed by Ratcliffe at the end of the 23/24 campaign.

Reports at the time suggested United were showing interest in Thomas Frank following his huge success at Brentford.

Thomas Frank has a strong relationship with Ineos chief Sir Dave Brailsford, who was heavily involved in the decision-making at the time.

Via Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Frank spoke about being interviewed for the United and Chelsea job on the same day.

“Sitting down to talk with two of the ten biggest clubs in the world – two hours apart – is quite unique,” Frank said.

“I know I didn’t get either job, but it was still huge. I remember walking through Battersea Park between the two interviews and thinking: ‘Thomas Frank from f****** Frederiksvaerk – am I really experiencing this?”

How close Thomas Frank came to becoming Man Utd manager

The report adds that Frank’s interview with United was held on May 24, meaning it came just 24 hours before the 2024 FA Cup victory under Ten Hag.

In the lead-up to the Wembley final, there were overwhelming reports that Ten Hag’s job was in danger.

The TipsBladet report adds that Frank’s interview was held in Ratcliffe’s garage – likely so it was kept secret and away from media attention.

READ MORE: Thomas Frank breaks silence on Man Utd links with ‘challenge you need to try’ remark

In contrast, his Chelsea interview on the same day was held in a hotel near Hyde Park.

At the time, Frank left the door open for United when asked about taking charge at Old Trafford. However, Ineos decided against his appointment and he now finds himself at Tottenham.