Xavi makes Manchester United manager stance clear after Erik ten Hag sacking

Xavi is reportedly not among the candidates to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

United are looking for their first permanent manager under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group after Ten Hag was dismissed on Monday. United currently sit 14th in the top fight table amid their worst-ever start to a Premier League season.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge on an interim basis and has been among the names linked to replace Ten Hag permanently. Former Barcelona manager and player Xavi has been another big name linked with the now-vacant job at Old Trafford.

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Bit Goal's Northern football writer, Richard Martin, who covers United, has suggested that Xavi is not in the running. Martin claims that the Spaniard is currently on a sabbatical after leaving Barcelona.

"Understand that Xavi is NOT among the candidates to replace Erik ten Hag," he said on X, formerly know as Twitter. "He is committed to completing his sabbatical after leaving Barcelona in May and is enjoying his first proper break after 25 years in football."

Former England boss Gareth Southgate, Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim, Inter Milan's Simone Inzaghi and Brentford boss Thomas Frank have been among the other names linked with United.

Announcing Ten Hag's sacking, a club statement read: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men's first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

"We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his