Tuesday, October 23, 2024 - Former Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernandez has emerged as a potential target for Manchester United if the club decide to sack manager Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils have made a terrible start to the new Premier
League season with Ten Hag’s side currently 12th after eight matches.
Man Utd have won just three of those eight games and
that has piled pressure on the Dutchman to turn around their fortunes.
According to Mail Sport, Manchester United's intermediaries
have made contact with the former Barcelona star twice in the last
few months.
A four-man delegation led by chief executive Omar Berrada
flew out to Barcelona last Thursday, although United sources say that a number
of high-level meetings have taken place in the Catalan capital recently because
co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been there to support Ineos
Britannia sailing team in their battle with New Zealand for the America’s
Cup.
‘But it has also fuelled speculation that Xavi could be a
contender if Ten Hag is axed after two-and-half years in charge.
However, United sources maintain that Ten Hag remains their
manager and the club have no plans to make a change as he prepares to face
Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday.
Former Man Utd chief scout Mick Brown – who remains
well-connected at Old Trafford, recently said Ten Hag is “always one defeat
away” from being sacked.
Brown told Football Insider: “Just winning a few
games won’t be enough and he’ll know that.
“You can win three games on the bounce, but one shock defeat
and that pressure will be back.
“Every time you lose a game at Manchester United, you’re
under the kosh. That’s always been the case. You’re always one defeat away.
“So it’s good to win games, and he needs to win games,
that’s the only way he’ll be able to keep his job, but even that might not be
enough.
“They’ve got a good run of games coming up, but that only
increases the pressure.
“We’ve been in this position before where they get all three
points from a game and look like they can push on, but then they lose again.
“All it takes is one loss for the crowd to turn and all of a
sudden a decision has to be made.”
0 Comments