Frank and Howe feel heat as Man Utd, Chelsea, Everton ramp up European bids

Pressure is mounting on Brentford manager Thomas Frank and Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe as Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton intensify their respective pushes for European qualification.

With the season entering its decisive phase, the trio of traditional heavyweights have hit form at a crucial time, narrowing the gap on the top-seven places and piling scrutiny on the coaches of smaller clubs currently occupying those coveted berths.

Frank’s Brentford and Howe’s Bournemouth have both overachieved for much of the campaign, but recent stumbles have allowed the chasing pack to close in. United, Chelsea and Everton have each strung together positive results, transforming the battle for continental competition into a tense, multi-club scramble.

Every dropped point by the Bees or the Cherries now risks being punished by the resurgent trio below, leaving Frank and Howe facing uncomfortable questions about squad depth, tactical adjustments and nerve under the spotlight.

The coming fixtures promise to be pivotal: should Brentford or Bournemouth falter again, the momentum could swing decisively toward the chasing clubs, flipping the narrative of the season and potentially redefining managerial futures in the process.

European qualification, prestige, broadcast revenue and summer transfer plans all hang in the balance as the heat rises on Frank and Howe.