Xavi comments on Ten Hag resurfaces amid rumors about Man United

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag remains under intense pressure, with the latest reports from Britain suggesting contact has been made with a potential replacement for the Dutch manager.

According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils have spoken to former Barcelona head coach Xavi about the possibility of him taking over at Old Trafford.

Xavi left Barcelona in dramatic fashion in May this year, just a month after the club persuaded him not to resign. He was then replaced by Hansi Flick, who has had a strong start in Catalonia with Barca topping the La Liga table ahead of this week’s Clasico showdown with Real Madrid.

The fact that the former Spain star is unemployed would make him a more viable option for United, who would be more wary of buying out the contract of a replacement coach as they look to cut costs at the club.

Mail’s claims mediators have spoken to Xavi “twice in recent months”. United CEO Omar Berrada flew to Barcelona last week, although this may have just been for a board meeting in the city, where co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was supporting the INEOS Britannia sailing team in the America’s Cup.

The reported interest in Xavi, who cut his teeth coaching Al Sadd in Qatar before taking charge at Barca, is an intriguing development given his previous comments about Ten Hag’s work at Old Trafford.

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What did Xavi say about Ten Hag?

United and Barcelona met in the knockout round of the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League in Ten Hag’s first season at the club.

The Red Devils came through an enthralling 4-3 draw on aggregate to win 2-1 in the second leg at Old Trafford after the first match in Catalonia finished 2-2.

United’s performances in these two matches are among the best they have produced during Ten Hag’s time in charge, and Xavi was keen to praise the work of his then counterpart.

“Ten Hag has changed the face of the team,” he said before the first leg. “It has been difficult for them, but they are doing great. He is a great coach. Turning around the situation at United has not been easy.”

“He makes variations in attack and defense, and they work very well. He is an attacking coach and he shows that in almost every match. He is a reference for coaches who love this type of football.”