‘A concrete leader’ at Manchester United is ‘asking for help’ from Red Devils legends

Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has reportedly named former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez as the “concrete frontrunner” to replace Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag was sacked on Monday morning after a fourth defeat in the Red Devils’ first nine Premier League games this season.

It’s been a dismal start to the 2024/25 campaign. Manchester United They have also lost their first three Europa League matches, most recently drawing 1-1 with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.

Sunday’s defeat to West Ham It may have happened under controversial circumstances, but Ten Hag’s men only have themselves to blame for the missed chances, especially in the first half.

There is no doubt this is a crisis and Sir Jim Ratcliffe clearly regrets his decision to hand the former Ajax manager a new contract in the summer.

Ratcliffe reportedly spoke to several managers, including New England coach Thomas Tuchel, but ultimately extended Ten Haeg’s contract to end any speculation about his future at the club.

The Dutchman was expected to be sacked at the end of last season after Manchester United’s worst-ever Premier League finish, but he saved his job by winning the FA Cup.

There are many names associated with working for the Red Devils. including Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann and Brentford manager Thomas Frank..

One interesting manager Manchester United are reportedly eyeing is Xavi.who is available after leaving Barcelona at the end of the 2023/24 season.

The Blaugrana are the only European club to be managed by a Spaniard, spending three years at the club he represented as a player for more than two decades.

Xavi has already made a request to Manchester United, negotiations with Berrada are ongoing.

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, writing for Sky Sport SwitzerlandXavi is the new CEO of Manchester United and is highly regarded by Berrada.

Indeed, the former Manchester City boss “made Xavi Hernandez a concrete leader on the road to success.” Ten Hag‘.

Berrada is leading the search for a new coach at the club but has not yet decided whether to sack the former Ajax coach.

Tavolieri claims that “discussions are taking place between the two men regarding the possibility of their arrival in the coming weeks.”

During his talks with Berrada, Xavi apparently “asked well-known former Old Trafford players for help” as he is “well aware that he cannot solve the problem alone.”

Tavolieri also mentions that there was a photo of Xavi on social media showing his son wearing a Manchester United shirt. obviously significant.

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Ten Hag blamed poor finishing for Sunday’s defeat to West Ham, while Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez admitted the result was difficult to accept.

“I’m very disappointed,” the 26-year-old said.

“I hate losing and I hated losing this and at this club that’s not what we want. Expectations are really high and we want to win every game.

“But now it’s time to accept it, be honest with ourselves and keep moving forward.

“I want the best for this club. I’m pretty sure this club will be at the top. We will do everything to get this club where it deserves.

“Honestly, I’m so upset because every day I see our skills, our quality, and then on those days when we finish the game we lose, we miss a lot of chances and it’s hard to accept, but we have to accept it. . That’s all.

“Everyone is struggling and we give everything, but I think we have to give more.

“We have to know that in football it is a mental game and we have to keep believing and believing until the end and be hungry.

“We played very well in the first half, but we lost in the second half. We conceded two goals and couldn’t win the game. Honestly, I’m very disappointed.”