3 ways Man Utd could line up under Xavi as he finally brings star Ten Hag wants

MANCHESTER UNITED could finally land a star Erik ten Hag has been desperate to sign for three seasons if they appoint Xavi.

Despite the club backing under-pressure manager Ten Hag, reports have emerged suggesting the Red Devils have lined up Xavi as a potential replacement.

The legendary Spaniard is out of work after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season.

And according to reports, United chiefs have identified the 44-year-old as a possible option if the Dutchman is sacked.

It's claim that contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months, with CEO Omar Berrada in Barcelona last Thursday as part of a four-person delegation.

In the event Xavi is hired, it begs the question; how might United line up?

Xavi's team typically lines up in a 4-3-3 formation, with the La Masia graduate championing the "Four P's" - positioning, possession, pressure and perception.

In terms of line-ups, Xavi would not be likely to go searching for a new goalkeeper, given how well Andre Onana suits his style of wanting to play out from the back.

Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both extremely capable right-backs who could feature in a Xavi team due to their technical prowess, though the former's ability to tuck into midfield could make the difference on who is given the nod.

Lisandro Martinez is another star who suits Xavi's system, though there could be a toss up on who starts as the right centre-back.

Matthijs de Ligt has looked lightweight at times for United, which could prompt Xavi to ask the club to sign a new defender in the form of Ronald Araujo.

This being said, like Martinez, the Uruguayan is an aggressor centre-back, while the Argentine has played his best stuff alongside a covering partner in Raphael Varane.

That may instead mean Xavi turns to teen prodigy Leny Yoro, who is back in training after suffering an injury in pre-season.

United have left-back options who are good when fit, however, both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw have been absent for some time, leaving Dalot as the main defender to fill in there.

If either Malacia or Shaw cannot be relied on to play, Xavi may try a raid on his old club by signing 21-year-old Alejandro Balde.

Moving into midfield, Xavi may finally be able to land the midfielder who was Ten Hag's No1 target in his first summer at the club, Frenkie de Jong.

However, while the manager of Barcelona, Xavi had a number of midfield targets which he may switch over to his Old Trafford moving in shopping list.

He is said to "love" Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, who is a transfer target for Arsenal, while Arthur Vermeeren was also linked to Barcelona during Xavi's tenure.

Alternatively, and echoing reports suggesting the Red Devils want to bring him back, Angel Gomes could also be a welcome addition in midfield.

United academy star Kobbie Mainoo is likely to remain in the team - given not just his importance and quality but also because Xavi is more than happy to give a large volume of minutes to youngsters.

Further forward, Xavi may see fit to try and ease out club captain Bruno Fernandes by bringing in Xavi Simons - targeted by him in Spain and by United transfer chiefs.

Xavi is known to be a big fan of Marcus Rashford, meaning his spot in the team is likely secure. Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo are other exciting prospects.

But should Xavi tell transfer bosses he is desperate for some new additions, he may ask them to sign Barca target Nico Williams.

The Euro 2024 winner refused to move to the Blaugrana from Athletic Bilbao last summer as he wanted to stay for another season.

Xavi may even look to some of his old favourites at Barcelona, with former Leeds star Raphinha and ex-Man City star Ferran Torres among his most used stars at the Camp Nou with 113 and 100 appearances respectively.

Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may also be a consideration, but he would likely be less available than the other options mentioned.