Report: Man United now in talks to replace Erik ten Hag with manager who once oversaw an unbeaten season

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Manchester United have finally decided to sack Erik ten Hag after a miserable start to the 2024/25 campaign.

The Dutchman managed to keep his job despite an abysmal 2023/24 season, which saw Manchester United finish eighth in the Premier League.

Only the FA Cup win, which almost never even happened as Coventry incredulously saw a historic comeback from 3-0 down crushed by VAR in the semi-final, saved the man from Haaksbergen.

Erik ten Hag has since failed to capitalise on the patience afforded to him by INEOS, overseeing just three wins from nine games in the Premier League this season to leave the Red Devils 14th.

Now – however – a manager who once oversaw an invincible campaign is in talks to take over at Manchester United.

Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada holding talks with Xavi

A story from Sky Sports now states that Omar Berrada – CEO at Old Trafford – is currently speaking to Xavi.

The Spaniard – who has not managed since Barcelona sacked him in May 2024 – is said to be discussing the vacancy in great detail, with Sky Sports specifically mentioning that he has even enquired about the possibility of a “well known” former Manchester United player arriving to assist him in the dugout.

Furthermore, the report refers to a recent photo of Xavi and his son, who could be seen wearing a Manchester United shirt, adding fuel to the fire.

Xavi tactics and record in management as Spaniard could replace Erik ten Hag

The 44-year-old oversaw a decent job in his three years at Barcelona, winning La Liga in the 2022/23 campaign as well as the 2023 Supercopa de Espana using an attacking 4-3-3 formation.

In total, Xavi – who Liverpool considered before Arne Slot – recorded 91 wins in 143 games at Barcelona, drawing 23 and losing 29 as his side scored 280 goals, while conceding 158.

Before replacing Ronald Koeman in Catalonia, the man from Terrassa even oversaw an unbeaten campaign in the 2020/21 season with Al-Sadd.

Xavi – who once said he would be happy to manage Arsenal – impressively led the Qatari side to 19 wins and three draws in 22 outings that term, winning the Qatar Stars League with ease as Al-Sadd scored 77 goals and conceded just 14.

It will take a lot for Xavi to emulate these achievements at Manchester United given the state Ten Hag has left the Red Devils in, but his track record is certainly encouraging.