Manchester United have made contact with the former Barcelona manager to replace Erik ten Hag
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez did not leave the club in the most ideal fashion, sacked only weeks after the club had given him a public show of confidence, and withdrew from his resignation. He did break a three-year La Liga drought with Barcelona, though, and said he felt his work was more appreciated elsewhere – which appears to be the case.
There have been rumblings of interest in Xavi in recent months when it seemed he would not continue at Barcelona, and now Manchester United He is said to have made contact with the Catalan over the potential of taking over at Old Trafford. According to DM (via Sport), United have made contact with Xavi twice in the last two months, and he is open to accepting a new challenge.
Raphinha: “My step forward? I can say that it is a little mental, and a little tactical. The confidence that the coach and the players give me is also very important.”
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 22, 2024
A delegation of four people traveled to Barcelona last week, including Sporting Director Omar Berrada, but is not believed to be linked to Xavi. He is clearly not the only candidate, and assistant Ruud van Nistlerooy will take over in the interim if ten Hag loses his job. Another top target, Thomas Tuchel has taken England, but Ruben Amorim and Edin Terzic are mentioned as alternatives.
In recent months, Xavi has said that he has rejected Roma and Qatar as potential opportunities, has publicly stated that he would be interested in managing elsewhere, but will take a year to relax after 2.5 stressful years in Barcelona. He has maintained that line so far, keeping a low profile in recent weeks, and speaking little publicly.
