Xavi's stance on replacing Ten Hag at Man Utd abundantly clear as 'chiefs fly to Spain'

Manchester United have learned the outcome of their reported pursuit of Xavi Hernandez as Old Trafford officials weigh up whether to replace under-fire boss Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman is seemingly on borrowed time in Manchester after INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe met with several high ranking officials across the international break to discuss his future.

Xavi, who coached Barcelona for three years before stepping down from his role at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, has emerged as a contender to replace Ten Hag. It is understood United chief executive Omar Berrada flew out to Spain for two rounds of talks with the former Spain international.

In addition to discussing the United job, Xavi knocked back an approach from AC Milan in the summer and also received an offer to manage the South Korea national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

However, Spanish newspaper AS report the 44-year-old is taking a year out of football on a sabbatical and does not intend to end it prematurely, even if it means turning down the chance to manage in the Premier League.

Ten Hag remains at the helm for now, but it appears preparations are being made in the background to find his successor.

Ratcliffe held talks with Thomas Tuchel before the season started about succeeding Ten Hag, who has been in charge since July 2022. The German turned down the chance to take the job and is now starting a new challenge as England boss from January 2025.

That was seen as a moment of relief for Ten Hag after overseeing the club’s worst start to a Premier League season, leaving him fighting to save his job.

The pressure has eased on Ten Hag somewhat following draws with Aston Villa and Porto, while a 2-1 home win against Brentford – especially after falling behind – has given him some respite. But United remain in 12th place in the Premier League.

That is despite spending over £200million this summer to recruit Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, with some of Ten Hag’s signings earning mixed reviews.

Ironically, Xavi is one of Ten Hag’s biggest fans after speaking highly of the former Ajax boss in public and called him a ‘great coach’ when his Barcelona team met United in continental competition 18 months ago.

“Ten Hag has changed the face of the team,” he said when the two sides met in the Europa League in 2023. “It’s been hard for them but they’re doing a great job. He is a great coach. Reversing the situation at United was not easy.

“He makes variations in attack and defence, [and] they work very well. He is an attacking coach and he shows it in almost every game. He is a reference for coaches who like this kind of football.”