Xavi Hernandez is emerging as a potential target for Manchester United if the club decides to sack manager Erik ten Hag.
Mail Sport understands that intermediaries have contacted the former Barcelona star twice in recent months. A four-person delegation, led by executive director Omar Berrada, flew to Barcelona last Thursday. However, sources close to United say that several high-level meetings have recently been held in the Catalan capital, as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been there to support the Ineos Britannia sailing team in their battle with New Zealand for the America’s Cup.
But this has also fueled speculation that Xavi could be a candidate if Ten Hag is dismissed after two and a half years at the helm.
Ten Hag’s assistant, Ruud van Nistelrooy, would be an obvious short-term replacement – and Xavi has also made it clear that he no longer wants to coach in Spain.
