Manchester United 'contact' potential Erik ten Hag replacement as club ‘plans’ outlined

Manchester United have reportedly made ‘contact’ with former Barcelona manager Xavi over potentially replacing Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

The pressure on the current United boss eased slightly thanks to the weekend’s win over Brentford, but a disappointing start to the season has caused speculation over his future. According to the Daily Mail, United intermediaries have ‘made contact’ with Xavi on two occasions over the last few months.

It is also said that a four-man delegation, including chief executive Omar Berrada, were in Barcelona last week with high-level meetings taking place. One of the reasons could be that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been in Spain supporting the Ineos Brittania sailing team in the America’s Cup. It has, however, fuelled speculation over a potential move to Xavi.

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The former Barcelona man has outlined how he doesn’t want to return to coaching in Spain following his exit from the Catalan club in the summer. The former midfielder spent two-and-a-half years in charge of Barca.

The report adds that United sources maintain that the club have ‘no plans’ to make a change ahead of the Europa League game against Fenerbahce on Thursday. The match will see United come up against former manager Jose Mourinho.

Following that match, United return to Premier League action on Sunday when they take on West Ham at the London Stadium. The Hammers sit in 15th place in the table, three points behind United in 12th.

Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim and former Borussia Dortmund man Edin Terzic have also been named as potential candidates for