Manchester United is reportedly in negotiations with Barcelona legend Xavi to potentially replace current manager Erik Ten Hag. This follows United’s challenging start to the season, with the club struggling to find form and their most recent result being a goalless draw against Aston Villa. The match marked the team’s fifth consecutive game without a win across all competitions.
United has secured only three victories so far this season, collecting just eight points from their first seven Premier League matches. This is the club’s lowest points tally at this stage of the campaign since 1989-90. The club’s disappointing performance has led to increased scrutiny of Ten Hag’s position, with many speculating about possible replacements.
Despite the pressure, Ten Hag remains confident that he has the backing of Manchester United’s hierarchy, who are set to meet for their monthly meeting. However, reports from Spain suggest that Xavi has emerged as a potential candidate, and negotiations have already begun to bring him to Old Trafford.
According to sources, initial contact has been made between United and Xavi, with the former Barcelona manager reportedly keen on the opportunity to manage a club of United’s stature. “Xavi would be delighted to land in the Premier League, especially with a team that has so much history,” one report stated.
Xavi, who led Barcelona to numerous successes during his time as both a player and a manager, already has transfer plans in mind if he takes the job. His top priority for the January transfer window is Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez. The Spanish coach is said to believe that Lopez would be a crucial addition to United’s midfield, with reports suggesting a potential transfer fee of more than €40 million (£33.5 million).
While Xavi’s potential appointment is generating buzz, other names have also been linked to the United job. Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is the bookmakers’ current favorite, while others, including Eddie Howe, Thomas Frank, Gareth Southgate, and Max Allegri, have also been mentioned as possible successors to Ten Hag.
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Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has weighed in on the situation, emphasizing that Ten Hag should not be solely blamed for the club’s poor start. “You can’t just blame the manager,” Cole told Betfred. “The manager picks the players, but the players are the ones who have to go out there and win football matches. That’s the way it is.”
Cole, who won multiple trophies during his time at United, defended Ten Hag’s record, noting that the Dutch manager won two cup competitions in his first two seasons at the club. “That’s not luck,” Cole said. “Winning two cups in two seasons isn’t easy, regardless of what others say. If it was easy, then everyone would do it.”
Cole also pointed to the example of Sir Alex Ferguson, the club’s most successful manager, who did not win a trophy in his first three years at Old Trafford. “It’s the same as any other manager because they want to be given a chance and an opportunity,” he added.
Reflecting on Ten Hag’s future, Cole expressed his admiration for the current manager, saying, “I’ve met Erik a few times and he’s a very nice guy, so I can only judge somebody by how they treat me.” He also questioned whether constantly changing managers would benefit the club in the long run.