Barcelona boss Xavi reveals Man Utd players who have impressed him most under Ten Hag

Robin Bairner

• 22 Feb 2023 10:27 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona head coach Xavi will get another close look at Manchester United on Thursday, when the clubs meet in the second leg of their Europa League clash, and the legendary midfielder has already picked out the Red Devils who have impressed him most this season.

The clubs played out a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou last week, with goals from Marcos Alonso and Raphina sandwiching an effort from Marcus Rashford and an own goal from Jules Kounde.

Xavi has been impressed by the manner in which Erik ten Hag has turned Man Utd around since taking charge last summer and has particularly praised the manner in which he has rejuvenated a string of ailing stars.

EXCLUSIVE: Messi's priority is PSG renewal, not Barcelona return

Speaking to The Times, the Barcelona coach picked out the four players he has been most impressed with as he discussed his admiration for Ten Hag.

“He is very good, I like him a lot,” Xavi said. “He has built a team and is getting the best out of all his players. That speaks well of him. Tactically he is very good and he handles the dressing room very well. He is getting all the talent out of his players. You see [Jadon] Sancho, [Marcus] Rashford, the Portuguese guy [Bruno Fernandes]. And look how Fred is playing...”

MORE: Ansu Fati breaks silence on Premier League transfer rumours

Future Barcelona transfer targets?

Barcelona tried to make a move for Rashford before Xavi’s arrival at the club, but the red-hot form that the forward finds himself now has surely pushed him out of reach of the Catalan side due to their financial problems.

Rashford’s contract at Man Utd is up in 2024, but it is expected that he will sign a new deal in the coming months.

While Bruno Fernandes is also off limits, Jadon Sancho’s future is more fragile after a slow start to life under Ten Hag. The winger, though, has come back resurgent, suggesting that he does indeed have a long-term future at Old Trafford.

There is greater doubt over Fred, with Ten Hag still planning a midfield overhaul and Casemiro and Christen Eriksen currently holding down starting spots.

Barcelona are seeking a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets in midfield, and with Fred out of contract in 2024, there may be an opening for a deal to take place if they can raise the funds.