After being dismissed from his position as FC Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernández considered a sabbatical year to regain strength after his two-and-a-half-year stint at the Spotify Camp Nou. However, the Egarense is one of the most coveted coaches on the market, and after the Qatar national team sounded out his incorporation, Manchester United would be the new big interested party in signing him.
This is reported by the 'Daily Mail', where they assure that Erik ten Hag's continuity in the Manchester dugout would be more in question than ever and they would already be looking for a reliable substitute for the Dutchman. In this scenario, Xavi would enter, who has already had contacts with the 'red devils' to assess his arrival at Old Trafford.
The same source maintains that the conversations between both parties would go back two months, with the Egarense willing to take on a new challenge in England. In fact, a four-man delegation, led by chief executive Omar Berrada, flew to Barcelona last Thursday, although United sources explained that several high-level meetings have been held in the Catalan capital recently because co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been there to support the club's Ineos Britannia sailing team for the America's Cup.
Ten Hag's future 'hangs in the balance'
The Red Devils have not quite taken off under Ten Hag, with whom they have 4 wins, 4 draws and 3 losses so far this season. Although Ruud van Nistelrooy, Erik's current assistant, would be the first replacement in the short term, the idea is that Xavi will be in charge of starting a new project in Manchester, although the message from the club is that the Dutchman is their coach.
The Red Devils are also considering other alternatives to the player from Egar. The first of them was Thomas Tuchel, but since he was presented as England manager he has not been included in the casting list. Edin Terzic and Rúben Amorim would complete the list, although, as of today, the former Barça manager is the one leading the race at the Theatre of Dreams.