Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team are reportedly in talks with Xavi Hernandez about the possibility of him becoming Manchester United’s next manager, should the club decide to part ways with Erik ten Hag. According to the Daily Mail, intermediaries have approached Xavi twice in recent months to gauge his interest in taking over at Old Trafford.
Xavi, who has previously stated he has no plans to coach in Spain again, may find the opportunity at Manchester United appealing. The 44-year-old has been out of management since being let go by Barcelona last summer, following a difficult season where he voiced concerns over the squad’s quality and the club’s ongoing financial difficulties.
Appointed as Barcelona’s head coach in November 2021, Xavi made an immediate impact, guiding the team to a La Liga title in his first full season. However, the following season was much more challenging for the club, with a noticeable drop in performance. Xavi had initially intended to step down at the end of the season but decided to stay on, despite growing tensions over the squad’s limitations and the financial struggles at the club. These issues ultimately led to his dismissal.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag’s position at Manchester United remains under significant scrutiny. There has been growing speculation about how much longer he will remain in charge, especially after reports suggested he was on the verge of being sacked during the recent international break. However, ten Hag survived and led Manchester United to a narrow 2-1 victory over Brentford last weekend.
Despite this, his role is still uncertain, and he will need to deliver positive results in the upcoming fixtures to secure his future. Crucial games against Fenerbahce in the Europa League and West Ham United in the Premier League are approaching, and further challenges lie ahead with matches against Leicester City, Chelsea, and PAOK.
Xavi’s name has surfaced as a potential candidate to take over at Manchester United. His approach to possession-based football could appeal to the club, as it aligns with their traditional style of play. Despite his recent struggles at Barcelona, Xavi’s tactical acumen and his ability to develop young players may attract Ratcliffe and Manchester United’s leadership, who could be searching for a fresh direction.
Xavi’s experience of managing under pressure at Barcelona, coupled with his willingness to embrace challenges outside of Spain, makes him a compelling option for the Manchester United job. The opportunity to manage a historic club like United might be too tempting for him to pass up.
As ten Hag faces mounting pressure to turn Manchester United’s fortunes around, the next few weeks will be crucial for both him and the club. If the team’s performances do not improve, Manchester United could be forced to make a managerial change, with Xavi emerging as a leading candidate.
While ten Hag remains in charge for now, his future will continue to be a subject of intense speculation unless he can deliver a consistent run of strong performances. Ratcliffe and his team are likely to keep evaluating their options, with Xavi’s name staying in the mix if a change in leadership is deemed necessary.
