Ten Hag update: Man Utd 'hold talks' with Barcelona legend

Cameron Smith

• 22 Oct 2024 20:00 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have reportedly held talks with Barcelona legend Xavi as they continue to identify possible replacements for Erik ten Hag.

Xavi has been out of work since leaving his post as Barcelona head coach in May and he has now been earmarked as a potential option to succeed Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman signed a contract extension in July, but he remains under immense pressure following a poor start to the new campaign.

READ MORE: Harry Maguire ‘waiting’ for Erik ten Hag to be sacked

Man Utd picked up just eight points from their opening seven Premier League matches of the 2024-25 season, while they are yet to earn their first win in the Europa League.

Ten Hag was widely expected to be sacked during the October international break, however INEOS opted to keep faith in the ex-Ajax boss following a crisis meeting at the start of the month.

Despite this, Man Utd have continued to sound out possible replacements for Ten Hag, in the event he is sacked, and Xavi has now emerged as a legitimate contender, according to The Daily Mail.

As per the report, Man Utd have made contact with the Barcelona legend on two occasions over the past month as they eye a move for the 44-year-old.

READ MORE: Man Utd face battle to hire Ten Hag replacement

Xavi to join Man Utd?

Xavi is reportedly unwilling to manage in Spain again and Man Utd are eager to entice him to Old Trafford amid an unconvincing string of results to start the new campaign.

In addition to Xavi, Man Utd are also interested in Ruben Amorim, Edin Terzic and Massimiliano Allegri, as per reports.

However, Ten Hag believes he has the full support of the Red Devils hierarchy. Ahead of Man Utd’s home clash against Brentford on Saturday, Ten Hag hit back at suggestions that he is facing the sack.

“No, the noise is only coming from the media, from some of you, not all of you, creating stories and fairytales, bringing lies because I know we're on one page within this club,” Ten Hag stated.

“I said before the [international] break but several journalists probably didn't believe me. Within the club, it's quiet.”