Xavi's stance on his next job after Man Utd's two approaches for ex-Barcelona manager
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag's position at Old Trafford has been under scrutiny for much of this season and the Red Devils appear to be keeping their options open for the moment
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorBarcelona legend Xavi has emerged as a candidate to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, and the Red Devils may have had an early boost in the chase.
The Spain World Cup winner has been without a job since leaving Barcelona in May. The saw a two-and-a-half year spell end when Joan Laporta decided to relieve him of his duties at Camp Nou, just a month after Xavi had reversed his decision to leave at the end of the season.
Xavi has a strong connection with Barca having played for the Catalan giants 505 times in his playing career before later becoming head coach and winning La Liga. The ex-midfield maestro had made it clear that he has no desire to coach in Spain as he awaits his next coaching opportunity.
The Mail reports that intermediaries have twice made contact with the manager in recent months. Though it also said that there are no plans to dislodge Ten Hag despite scrutiny over his position following a difficult start to the season.
Manchester United's hierarchy is also said to have enjoyed a presence in Barcelona last week. A four-man party including chief executive Omar Berrada flew out to the city last Thursday with a number of high-level meetings taking place abroad due to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe being in attendance to support his Ineos Britannia sailing team as they competed for the America's Cup.
Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim and former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic are also referred to as potential candidates to join the 13 Premier League champions. Ruud van Nistelrooy is also identified as an 'obvious short-term' replacement given his role among Ten Hag's coaching staff.
The Dutch boss has remained defiant in the face of speculation over his future. The former Ajax manager is determined to continue with the plan he made alongside the likes of Berrada and Dan Ashworth over the summer.
Ten Hag said last week: "Noise is only coming from some of you [media], creating stories and fairytales, bringing lies. Journalists didn’t believe me. I saw the reports. Of course, we are unhappy with the position where we are. Ultimately, we are quiet and composed. We stick to the plan and are very convinced it will be a success."
"We have to climb a mountain, but that's top football, sometimes you have to face challenges," he added. "But I'm sure we will make a success, just like we did in the last two seasons.
"I see the good things, good patterns and the good stats that confirms we're in a good direction, but the ranking doesn't lie and where we are isn't good enough."
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