Xavi Hernandez has emerged as a contender to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager after holding two rounds of talks with the club, according to reports. The former Barcelona boss has entered the frame, with Ten Hag still under severe pressure to improve results after a dismal start to the season.
United eased the ongoing scrutiny of the Dutchman by producing an encouraging performance in Saturday’s 2-1 comeback win against Brentford at Old Trafford.
But it was just the Red Devils’ fourth win in 12 matches this term and could only lift them to 12th in the Premier League table.
England’s appointment of Thomas Tuchel as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor during the October international break removed a strongly-linked candidate from the running.
However, another one has emerged in Xavi, who has been out of work since leaving Barcelona at the end of last season, ending a three-year reign.
According to the Mail, intermediaries have contacted the 44-year-old twice in the last few months to sound out his interest in the role.
It’s claimed that United chief executive Omar Berrada led a four-person delegation that flew to Barcelona last Thursday.
Yet whether that was to meet Xavi about the prospect of the Spanish football legend replacing Ten Hag remains to be seen.
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