Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Xavi as a potential replacement for under-fire manager Erik ten Hag. The Daily Mail reports that contact has been made with the former Barcelona boss twice in recent months, as the Old Trafford bosses mull over their options following a dismal start to the season.
A team of four, led by chief executive Omar Berrada, jetted off to Barcelona last Thursday (October 17).
However, United insiders were quick to point out that several high-level meetings have taken place in the Catalan city. This is due to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s presence there, supporting his Ineos Britannia sailing team in their America’s Cup clash against New Zealand.
Xavi, who has been jobless since parting ways with Barcelona in the summer, is viewed as one of many coaches heavily influenced by Pep Guardiola, under whom he played for four years. His availability could be attractive to the Manchester bosses, who contemplated a managerial shake-up in the summer but decided to stick with ten Hag.
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Having had time to process his Barcelona departure, Xavi might welcome a new challenge. Ten Hag, despite surviving a summer review of his position, has had a rocky start to this season.
With United recording their worst-ever Premier League season and showing little signs of improvement, many of the previous year’s problems are still glaringly apparent, reports the Mirror.
United’s preference is to stand by their Dutch manager, who is gearing his team up for a Europa League showdown at Fenerbahce on Thursday (October 24).