Xavi Hernández, the former Barcelona manager who led the team for three seasons and secured La Liga and the Supercopa de España, is reportedly considering a move to the Premier League after stepping down at the end of this season. Although Xavi, aged 44, is contemplating a break from football to recover from the demands of managing Barcelona, he is also exploring the possibility of joining a new Premier League project.
Manchester United is a potential destination for Xavi, given the uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future. *The Times* notes that a decision on Ten Hag’s position could be imminent as the club evaluates his performance. Xavi’s availability has piqued interest, though it is not clear if United will pursue him as Ten Hag’s replacement.
Thomas Tuchel, who had previously been a candidate for the United job, seems to be out of contention. Reports suggest that Tuchel recently met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco to outline his vision for United, including plans to enhance the performance of players like Mason Mount and Jadon Sancho. However, Tuchel reportedly left the meeting with the belief that the position would not be available if Ten Hag were dismissed.
Ten Hag, back from his off-season break, remains dedicated to his project at Manchester United. Following United’s FA Cup win over Manchester City, he reaffirmed his commitment to the club, stating, “We’re building a team… When I started at Manchester United, things were in disarray. We are on our way to creating a future-ready team.”
Despite recognizing the team’s progress, Ten Hag emphasized the need for continued improvement. He noted, “Winning two awards in two years and reaching three finals is good, but we need to do better. If the club decides they no longer want me, I’ll seek opportunities elsewhere to win trophies, as I’ve always done.”
As Manchester United evaluates its options, Xavi’s potential move to the Premier League adds an intriguing element to the managerial situation at Old Trafford, with developments expected in the coming weeks.
