Manchester United are reportedly considering Xavi Hernandez as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag, with intermediaries contacting the former Barcelona manager twice in recent months.
The speculation comes as pressure builds on Ten Hag following a difficult start to the season, though United sources insist the Dutchman remains in charge for now.
According to The Daily Mail, a four-man United delegation, led by chief executive Omar Berrada, recently flew to Barcelona, feeling the rumours surrounding Xavi’s candidacy.
However, the club maintains that the trip primarily supported co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was involved in America’s Cup sailing with his Ineos Britannia team.
Despite this, Xavi’s name continues to be floated as a potential successor should the club choose to part ways with Ten Hag.
United have made no official comment on the speculation, choosing not to engage in discussions regarding their manager’s future.
Ten Hag, who survived the summer following a tense meeting with Ineos executives, will be in the dugout for Thursday’s Europa League clash against Fenerbahce.
Reports suggest that Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim and former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic are also on the club’s radar.
Amorim, however, is widely tipped to take over at Manchester City once Pep Guardiola steps down, potentially narrowing United’s options.
Should Ten Hag depart, Ruud van Nistelrooy, currently the assistant manager, is seen as a short-term solution.
But the prospect of Xavi, who has expressed a desire not to coach in Spain again, is particularly intriguing given his pedigree and success at Barcelona.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on United’s performances, with the club likely to decide on Ten Hag’s future sooner rather than later.
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