Manchester United have reportedly held multiple conversations with former Barcelona manager Xavi about potentially replacing Erik ten Hag. The revelation of these clandestine discussions suggests mounting pressure on the current United manager as the club grapples with its worst Premier League start in recent memory.
Sources close to the situation have confirmed that United executives, led by chief executive Omar Berrada, conducted meetings in Barcelona last Thursday, though the club has attempted to downplay these encounters by linking them to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s presence in the Catalan city for the Ineos Britannia sailing team’s America’s Cup campaign. However, the timing and frequency of these meetings – reportedly occurring twice in recent months – hint at serious strategic planning beyond mere coincidence.
The interest in Xavi, who departed Barcelona this summer after leading the club to the La Liga title, represents a potential shift in United’s tactical philosophy. The Spaniard’s connection to Pep Guardiola’s school of thought, having played under him for four years, suggests United might be looking to embrace a more possession-based, technical style of play that has brought such success to their crosstown rivals Manchester City.
Ten Hag’s position has become increasingly precarious following what the club recorded as their worst Premier League season to date, with little evidence of improvement in the current campaign as United languish in the bottom half of the table. The Dutch manager, who survived a summer review of his position, now faces intensifying scrutiny as the same issues that plagued last season’s performances continue to manifest.
The timing of these discussions with Xavi is particularly significant. United’s hierarchy had considered a managerial change during the summer but were deterred by what they perceived as a limited pool of available high-quality coaches. Xavi’s current availability, combined with his impressive track record at Barcelona and deep understanding of elite-level football, makes him an attractive candidate for a club desperate to recapture its former glory.
The potential appointment of Xavi would represent more than just a change in management; it could signal a fundamental shift in United’s approach to football. His Barcelona tenure demonstrated an ability to manage both established stars and emerging talents while implementing a distinctive playing style – qualities that United have struggled to maintain since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
United’s current predicament reflects deeper institutional challenges beyond just managerial concerns. The club’s recruitment strategy, playing style, and overall direction have all come under intense scrutiny. The potential pursuit of Xavi suggests recognition at board level that a more comprehensive overhaul might be necessary to bridge the growing gap with their Premier League rivals.
The involvement of Berrada, who joined United from Manchester City, in these discussions adds another layer of intrigue. His experience with City’s successful sporting model could be influential in pushing for a manager who aligns more closely with modern football’s technical and tactical evolution.
Ten Hag’s situation mirrors a familiar pattern at post-Ferguson United, where initial optimism gives way to growing frustration as results fail to meet expectations. Despite leading the club to Carabao Cup success and Champions League qualification last season, the Dutch manager has struggled to maintain momentum and establish a clear tactical identity.
The reported discussions with Xavi also raise questions about United’s long-term vision. The Spaniard’s philosophy, deeply rooted in Barcelona’s possession-based approach, would require significant adaptation from the current squad and potentially influence future recruitment strategy. This could represent United’s most decisive tactical shift since Ferguson’s era.
For Xavi, the prospect of managing Manchester United presents both an enormous challenge and opportunity. Despite the club’s recent struggles, United’s global appeal and resources could offer him a platform to implement his ideas on an even grander scale than at Barcelona. His experience in rebuilding a struggling giant during his time at the Catalan club could prove invaluable in addressing United’s current challenges.
As pressure mounts and results continue to disappoint, the coming weeks could prove decisive for Ten Hag’s future. The revelation of talks with Xavi suggests United’s leadership is actively preparing for potential changes, marking another crucial juncture in the club’s post-Ferguson era. Whether this leads to immediate change or serves as motivation for improvement under Ten Hag, it’s clear that patience at Old Trafford is wearing thin.
