Manchester United have discovered the result of their reported interest in Xavi Hernandez as they consider replacing the under-pressure manager, Erik ten Hag.
The Dutch coach’s position appears uncertain following a meeting between INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe and key United officials during the international break to discuss Ten Hag’s future.
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Xavi, who led Barcelona for three years before stepping down after the 2023-24 season, has been mentioned as a potential successor to Ten Hag.. .Continue Reading
United’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, reportedly traveled to Spain for two rounds of talks with the former Spain international.
During these discussions, Xavi declined an offer from AC Milan in the summer and also turned down an opportunity to manage South Korea’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
However, according to Spanish outlet AS, the 44-year-old is on a year-long sabbatical and has no plans to cut it short, even for a chance to manage in the Premier League.
Ten Hag remains in charge for now, but behind the scenes, it seems plans are being made to find a replacement.
Ratcliffe had earlier discussed the managerial role with Thomas Tuchel before the season began, but the German opted not to take the job and will instead become England’s national team coach in January 2025.
Tuchel’s decision gave Ten Hag some temporary relief, especially after overseeing United’s worst start to a Premier League season.
Despite recent improvements, including draws against Aston Villa and Porto, and a 2-1 comeback win over Brentford, United currently sit 12th in the league.
This underwhelming start follows a summer where the club spent over £200 million on players such as Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, and Joshua Zirkzee. Some of these signings have received mixed feedback.
Interestingly, Xavi has publicly praised Ten Hag, calling him a “great coach” after their teams faced off in European competition 18 months ago.
“Ten Hag has changed the face of the team,” he said when the two teams met in the Europa League in 2023. “It’s been hard for them but they’re doing a great job. He is a great coach. Reversing the situation at United was not easy.
“He makes variations in attack and defence, [and] they work very well. He is an attacking coach and he shows it in almost every game. He is a reference for coaches who like this kind of football.”
