Manchester United Approach Ex-Barca Captain For Coaching Role

Manchester United has reportedly reached out to former Barcelona player and manager Xavi Hernandez for a possible return to management as uncertainty continues to loom over the future of Erik Ten Hag at Old Trafford. 

The Dutch manager has failed to steady the ship since taking over the storied club in 2022 with their current position 12th on the Premier League table raising alarm bells in the club’s management. According to reports, United’s intermediaries have reached out to Xavi twice in recent months, fuelling speculation about his future and United’s plans should Ten Hag be shown the door.

A four-man delegation, including United chief executive Omar Berrada, reportedly flew to Barcelona last week. While club insiders claim the trip was related to high-level meetings with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, his presence in the Catalan capital has only added to the intrigue, as United contemplate life after Ten Hag.

Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford has been the subject of much debate, especially after a challenging start to his third season in charge.

Although the club insists they have no immediate plans to replace the Dutchman, the pressure is mounting on the former Ajax boss.  He narrowly survived getting sacked in the summer after winning the FA Cup but the shadow of potential replacements has loomed large since.

Should United opt for a change, Ruud van Nistelrooy—Ten Hag’s assistant—would be an obvious candidate for a short-term solution. However, Xavi has reportedly made it clear that he has no desire to coach in Spain again, opening the door to a move abroad. The former Barcelona star, who delivered a league title for the Catalans during his 2-and-a-half-year stay at the Camp Nou, is seen as a strong contender if United decide to act.

Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim and former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic are also said to be in the mix with Amorim also being heavily linked to Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s potential successor.

As United prepare for crucial fixtures ahead, the club’s leadership faces tough decisions. Ten Hag remains in the hot seat for now, but with Xavi and others reportedly on the radar, change could be on the horizon at Old Trafford.