DINH DOONG

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team have reportedly initiated discussions with Xavi Hernandez regarding the potential of him becoming the next Manchester United manager, should the club decide to move on from Erik ten Hag. According to a report from the Daily Mail, intermediaries have reached out to the Spanish coach twice in recent months to explore the possibility.

Xavi, who has previously stated that he has no desire to coach in Spain again, might find the opportunity to take charge at Manchester United enticing. The 44-year-old has been out of work since being dismissed by Barcelona last summer, a decision that came after he voiced concerns about the squad and the club’s ongoing financial struggles.

Xavi’s Managerial Background

Xavi took over as Barcelona’s head coach in November 2021, and his impact was immediate, leading the team to a La Liga title in his first full season at the helm. However, the following season saw a dip in performances, leading to a turbulent period for the club. Although Xavi initially announced his intention to step down at the end of the campaign, he ultimately reversed that decision. Despite his change of heart, the issues surrounding the squad’s quality and Barcelona’s financial crisis created tension, which eventually resulted in his departure.

Erik ten Hag’s Position Under Threat

The future of current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been the subject of intense speculation, with many questioning how long he can hold onto his job. The Dutchman was widely tipped to be sacked during the recent international break but managed to retain his position and guide United to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford last weekend.

However, his position remains precarious, and he will need to produce a string of positive results to secure his job. The upcoming weeks are crucial for ten Hag, as United face a challenging schedule that could determine his fate. The Red Devils are set to play Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday, followed by a Premier League clash with West Ham United away from home on Sunday.

Further tests await, with two matches against Leicester City interspersed with fixtures against Chelsea and PAOK. If ten Hag fails to deliver impressive performances in these games, the club’s hierarchy may decide to make a managerial change.

Why Xavi Could Be an Option for United

Bringing Xavi to Manchester would be a bold move for United, as the Spanish coach has a reputation for implementing an attractive, possession-based style of play, which aligns with the club’s historical footballing philosophy. Despite his recent setback at Barcelona, Xavi’s tactical approach and ability to nurture young talent could make him an appealing candidate for Ratcliffe and the United board, who are reportedly considering a fresh direction.

Moreover, Xavi’s experiences at Barcelona, a club with its own set of high expectations and pressures, would prepare him well for the demands at Old Trafford. His proven track record of winning the La Liga title in his first full season in charge speaks to his potential as a top-level manager, even if his tenure ended on a sour note. The fact that he has expressed a willingness to work outside of Spain suggests he is open to new challenges, and the opportunity to lead a historic club like Manchester United could be difficult to resist.

What Lies Ahead for United and Ten Hag

The next few weeks will be crucial for both ten Hag and Manchester United. The Dutch manager is under significant pressure to turn things around, with his job hanging in the balance. Failure to achieve positive results in the upcoming matches could force the club’s leadership to take decisive action, potentially paving the way for Xavi’s arrival.

For now, ten Hag remains in charge, but the speculation surrounding his future is unlikely to dissipate unless he can guide United to a consistent run of form. As the team prepares for a series of challenging fixtures, the manager’s ability to motivate his squad and deliver results will be tested like never before.

In the background, Ratcliffe and his associates continue to weigh their options, with Xavi emerging as a potential candidate should the need for a change arise. Whether or not United ultimately make a move for the former Barcelona boss, the club’s current situation underscores the urgency for improved performances on the pitch and stability off it.