Xavi's Marcus Rashford stance and awkward chats with two Man United stars after 'talks'

Marcus Rashford has already left an impression on Xavi Hernandez amid speculation the Catalan coach could replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

Xavi left the Nou Camp helm at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and is currently without a club, though it's believed United CEO Omar Berrada travelled to Spain for talks with the Barcelona icon. Not that it may amount to much, however, considering Madrid-based daily AS reported Xavi is set to take a sabbatical and will turn down any advances from the Premier League in the short term.

The 44-year-old came up against United on two occasions over the course of his two-and-a-half-year stint in charge of the Blaugrana. And his impression of Rashford – who has endured difficult times over the past 18 months – painted a positive image.

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Speaking to Mundo Deportivo in 2023, Xavi was highly complimentary of the United graduate regarding their Europa League run-in earlier that year and he said: "Rashford cost us a lot. Also Vinicius, [Karim] Benzema..." That came after Xavi had already given his English adversary high praise before he ever encountered him in a competitive setting.

"In the transition he is very, very dangerous so, yes, we need to take care of all of them but especially Rashford," said the Catalan coach. "He's one of the most dangerous players now in Europe, yeah. He's very fast, he is a very good at dribbling in one-versus-one."

Xavi is perhaps in need of some homework in relation to the United squad if he were to take over at Old Trafford, however. That's after the