Manchester United have reportedly identified ex-Barcelona manager Xavi as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils have endured a challenging opening to the 2024-25 competitive schedule, facing their worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
Winning two and collecting just eight points from their opening seven top-flight contests, Man United are currently occupying 14th position in the early-term standings.
Ten Hag's troops have also struggled on the continent so far this season, only managing shares of the spoils against FC Twente and Porto in the Europa League.
After guiding the club to FA Cup glory at the end of last season, Ten Hag was given a one-year extension to his contract at the Theatre of Dreams.
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Man United want Xavi as Ten Hag's replacement?
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Manchester United have identified an ambitious option as a potential replacement for under-pressure Ten Hag.
The report claims that the Red Devils are interested in securing the services of Xavi should they decide to part ways with their Dutch head coach in the near future.
It is understood that the former Barcelona manager is high on the list of possible replacements for Ten Hag, who has lost the majority of the fanbase at Old Trafford.
The 54-year-old was backed handsomely in the transfer window this summer, bringing in a number of players who he had formerly worked with such as Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee.
Despite this, it was a centre-back duo of Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire which started for the Red Devils in the goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
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Man United plotting midfielder trick to lure Xavi?
Leaving Barcelona at the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign, Xavi is currently out of work and would be available to start immediately at Old Trafford.
That is said to be a massive plus in the 44-year-old's chances of securing the job, with Man United also keen on former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
It is believed that the Red Devils are willing to bring Barca midfielder Fermin Lopez to Old Trafford in order to convince Xavi to put pen to paper on the red side of Manchester.
Carter White
