Former FC Barcelona manager rumoured to be Erik ten Hag’s successor

The Manchester United management has reportedly asked Xavi Hernandez, a former Barcelona coach, to take Erik ten Hag's place as head coach at Old Trafford. The 44-year-old Xavi Hernandez has not played for a side since Barcelona fired him and hired former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick, who has guided the Catalan powerhouses to the top of the La Liga standings after ten home games.

He has received employment offers from a few La Liga clubs, but the manager is unwilling to coach in his native country again. Additionally, Manchester United is considering Xavi given the standing of Spanish coaches in the Premier League after the additions of Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, and Andoni Iraola, among others.

Ten Hag is now again under a lot of pressure after he led United to FA Cup triumph at the end of the previous season. The Manchester United side are currently 11th in the English Premier League, having just three victories in eight games.

The board, which is run by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has reportedly met with Xavi Hernandez a few times in recent months to extend an offer of employment as the Dutch coach, but there has been no temporary agreement reached among the two parties.

According to reports, United intends to hire Ruud van Nistelrooy as a temporary replacement until they work out a new deal with Xavi at Old Trafford in the event that they decide to fire Erik ten Hag from his position at the club. 

Why does the Manchester United board want to sign Xavi as manager?

The Manchester managers, who thought about changing managers in the summer but believed there weren't many good coaches available, might also be drawn to the Spaniard's availability. Xavi may enjoy a new challenge now that he has had time to process his Barcelona exit.

Ten Hag has had a rough start to the season despite surviving a summer appraisal of his work. Little has changed after managing Manchester United's worst Premier League season ever, as the Red Devils are currently in the bottom half. Many of the problems from the previous year are still present.