XAV SOME OF THAT Man Utd ‘contact Xavi’ over replacing Erik ten Hag – but face fight with European giants
MANCHESTER UNITED have approached former Barcelona boss Xavi about becoming the club's new manager, according to sensational reports in Spain.
Posted Saturday, June 01, 2024 by Thesun.co.uk
The legendary midfielder, 44, was dismissed by the Catalan giants last week after a turbulent few months at the helm.
Xavi was sacked by Barcelona last week despite agreeing to continue just weeks earlier
Erik ten Hag's future remains unclear at Manchester United
He had initially confirmed he was leaving in January, before Barcelona convinced him to stay on in April.
But he was then axed before their final game of the season against Sevilla, with German Hansi Flick already announced as his replacement.
Now Xavi is out of work, with AC Milan and the South Korean national team having already made contact with him.
And according to AS, Man Utd have also made an "informal" approach for the Spain icon amid uncertainty surrounding the future of head coach Erik ten Hag.
However, it remains Xavi's preference to take a year away from management before he looks for his next role in 2025.
He won 89 of his 142 games in charge of Barcelona, claiming the LaLiga title and Spanish Super Cup in the 2022/23 campaign.
He then guided them to second place behind Real Madrid in the league this season, while they also reached the Champions League quarter-finals.
Prior to his dismissal, Xavi told the press: "To the new manager, I tell you: 'You will suffer'.
"This is a very complicated place to be. This is a difficult job and you have to be patient.
"I have the feeling that everything I have done in these two-and-a-half years has caused an earthquake."
Barcelona confirmed his departure in a statement that read: "The club wishes to publicly thanks Xavi and the rest of his coaching staff for their commitment, dedication and generosity, and for their help in reaching an agreement to sever the contract.
"Furthermore, we wish him success in the future on both a personal and professional level."
Meanwhile, Ten Hag's future is still unclear despite Man Utd's FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.
Aside from Xavi, those tipped to replace Ten Hag include Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Gareth Southgate.
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