Xavi Hernandez, Ex-Barcelona Coach, In Talks With Manchester United As Pressure Mounts On Erik Ten Hag

Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has become a potential candidate for Manchester United should the club decide to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils have had a rough start to the new Premier League season, currently sitting 12th after eight matches.

With only three wins from those eight games, the pressure is mounting on the Dutchman to improve the team’s performance.

According to Mail Sport, Manchester United’s representatives have reached out to the former Barcelona star twice in recent months.

Last Thursday, a four-person delegation led by chief executive Omar Berrada traveled to Barcelona.

However, United sources indicate that several high-level meetings have occurred in the Catalan city recently, as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been there supporting the Ineos Britannia sailing team in their America’s Cup challenge against New Zealand.

This situation has fueled speculation that Xavi could be a contender if Ten Hag is dismissed after two and a half years in charge.

However, United sources insist that Ten Hag is still their manager and that the club has no intentions of making a change as he prepares to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, who is well-connected at Old Trafford, recently stated that Ten Hag is “always one defeat away” from being dismissed.

Brown said: “Just winning a few games won’t be enough and he’ll know that.

“You can win three games on the bounce, but one shock defeat and that pressure will be back.

“Every time you lose a game at Manchester United, you’re under the kosh. That’s always been the case. You’re always one defeat away.

“So it’s good to win games, and he needs to win games, that’s the only way he’ll be able to keep his job, but even that might not be enough.

“They’ve got a good run of games coming up, but that only increases the pressure.

“We’ve been in this position before where they get all three points from a game and look like they can push on, but then they lose again.

“All it takes is one loss for the crowd to turn and all of a sudden a decision has to be made.”