Xavi appears as a target to replace Erik ten Hag

Manchester United have reportedly approached former Barcelona coach Xavi to take over as the club’s new head coach. This news comes from sensational reports in Spain, sparking much excitement among fans and pundits alike.

Xavi, a legendary midfielder, is currently available after being sacked by Barcelona last week. His departure follows a challenging few months in charge of the Catalan giants. He had initially announced his intention to leave in January, but Barcelona convinced him to stay until April. However, he was eventually replaced by German coach Hansi Flick before the team’s final match against Sevilla.

Xavi’s availability and other interests

Without a job, Xavi attracted the interest of other major football entities. AC Milan and the South Korean national team have already contacted him. According to AS, Manchester United have also made an informal approach amid uncertainty over the future of current head coach Erik ten Hag. Despite this interest, Xavi prefers to take a year off from management and plans to look for his next role in 2025.

During his time at Barcelona, ​​Xavi achieved significant success. He managed 142 games, winning 89 of them. Under his guidance, Barcelona won the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup in the 2022/23 season. Last season, he guided the team to second place in the league, just behind Real Madrid, and took them to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

In his farewell press conference, Xavi acknowledged the challenges of managing a club like Barcelona. “To the new manager, I say, ‘You’re going to suffer.’ This is a very complicated place. This is difficult work and you need to be patient. I feel like everything I’ve done in these two and a half years has caused an earthquake,” he said.

Barcelona released a statement expressing their gratitude to Xavi and his coaching staff. They thanked them for their commitment, dedication and generosity and wished them well in their future endeavours.

Potential candidates for the position of Manchester United manager

While Xavi remains a potential candidate, Manchester United are also considering other high-profile managers. Erik ten Hag’s future is still uncertain despite his side’s FA Cup win over Manchester City. Alongside Xavi, names such as Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Gareth Southgate are being discussed as possible replacements for the Ten Hag.

Each of these managers brings unique skills and experiences to the table. Pochettino is known for his impressive work at Tottenham Hotspur, Tuchel has found success with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, De Zerbi is a rising star with a growing reputation and Southgate has led the England national team to significant achievements.

As Manchester United go through this period of transition, the club’s management are faced with the crucial task of choosing the right person to lead the team forward. The decision will affect the club’s performance and long-term vision and strategy.

Manchester United’s interest in Xavi marks an exciting possibility for the club’s future. With several top managers in the running, the club is poised to make a significant decision that will shape its path for years to come. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates, hoping for a new era of success at Old Trafford.