Islamabad, Oct 23: Manchester United Approaches Former Barcelona Captain for Coaching Role
According to reports, Manchester United has contacted former Barcelona manager and player Xavi Hernandez about a potential managerial comeback as Erik Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.
Their current 12th-place finish in the Premier League table raises concerns about the club’s management, since the Dutch manager has failed to turn things around since taking over the illustrious club in 2022. Xavi has reportedly received two messages from United’s middlemen in recent months, which has fueled rumors regarding his future and United’s preparations in the event that Ten Hag is fired.
According to reports, a delegation of four people, including Omar Berrada, the CEO of United, flew to Barcelona last week. His presence in the Catalan capital has further increased the curiosity as United considers life after Ten Hag, despite club insiders claiming the trip was connected to high-level discussions with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
There has been significant discussion about Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford, particularly following a difficult start to his third season as manager.
The former Ajax manager is under increasing pressure, despite the club’s insistence that they have no urgent intentions to replace the Dutchman. After winning the FA Cup, he barely avoided being fired in the summer, but the threat of possible replacements has lingered ever since.
Ten Hag’s assistant, Ruud van Nistelrooy, would be a clear choice for a temporary fix if United were to make a move. A move overseas is possible, though, as Xavi has reportedly stated that he has no intention of coaching in Spain once more.
If United takes action, the former Barcelona player, who won a league title for the Catalans during his two and a half-year tenure at Camp Nou, is viewed as a serious possibility.
Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon and Edin Terzic, the former manager of Borussia Dortmund, are also rumored to be in the running, with Amorim being strongly associated with Manchester City as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola.
The club’s management must make difficult choices as United gets ready for important games in the future. Though Xavi and others are apparently being considered, Ten Hag is still in the hot seat for the time being, but things at Old Trafford may be about to change.
