Manchester United linked with Xavi Hernandez

UK outlets claim that the former FC Barcelona boss has been contacted by the Red Devils and is the current favourite to succeed Erik ten Hag.

A recent draw and win for Manchester United against Aston Villa (0-0) and Brentford (2-1) may not be enough to save Dutch coach Erik Ten Hag as rumours that the 54-year-old’s day’s at Old Trafford are numbered fail to go away. Despite speculation being rife as to who may replace Ten Hag on the Old Trafford bench, one emerging name linked to the club is that of former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández.

While Manchester United maintain that “Erik Ten Hag remains their manager and that the club has no plans to make any changes”, British outlet, the Daily Mail has reported exclusively that “Xavi Hernández is emerging as a possible target for Manchester United if the club decides to dismiss Erik ten Hag.”

The newspaper adds that “a four-person delegation led by CEO Omar Berrada flew to Barcelona last Thursday, although Manchester United sources say that several high-level meetings have been held in the Catalan capital recently because co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been there to support the Ineos Britannia sailing team in its battle with New Zealand for the America’s Cup.” In total, according to the Daily Mail, the ‘Red Devil’ intermediaries have contacted the former Barcelona coach “on two occasions in recent months.”

Erik ten Hag saw his deal with the club renewed at the end of last season, despite having the worst campaign for the United in terms of league finishes (eighth place) in the ‘Premier League era’ but winning the FA Cup against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City secured credit for the Dutchman.

Xavi Hernández was dismissed as Barça coach at the end of last May after a disappointing campaign despite winning LaLiga in the 2022-23 season after moving to the Catalan capital after a spell at the helm of Doha based Al-Saad.