Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has emerged as a potential candidate for Manchester United if the club decides to part ways with Erik ten Hag.
United have had a poor start to the Premier League season, currently sitting 12th after eight matches, with just three wins. This disappointing form has increased pressure on Ten Hag to reverse the team’s fortunes.
According to Mail Sport, intermediaries from Manchester United have made contact with Xavi twice in recent months. A four-man delegation, led by chief executive Omar Berrada, traveled to Barcelona last Thursday. Although United sources claim these high-level meetings were due to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement in supporting the Ineos Britannia sailing team, speculation has grown that Xavi could be considered if Ten Hag is dismissed.
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However, United insiders maintain that Ten Hag is still the manager, and the club currently has no plans to make a change as he prepares to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, who remains well-connected at Old Trafford, recently commented that Ten Hag is “always one defeat away” from being sacked.
In an interview with Football Insider, Brown said, “Just winning a few games won’t be enough, and he’ll know that. You can win three games in a row, but one shock defeat and the pressure returns.”
Brown added, “Every time you lose at Manchester United, you’re under pressure. That’s always been the case. He’s one loss away from the crowd turning, and when that happens, decisions have to be made.”