Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada in talks with ex-Barcelona boss Xavi to replace Erik ten Hag: Reports

Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada has reportedly held talks with former Barcelona manager Xavi about becoming the club's new manager. The Spaniard has been out of management since the La Liga giants sacked him in the summer.

Sky Sport's Sacha Tavolieri reports that Berrada has made Xavi a concrete target to replace Ten Hag. The Dutchman continues to feel the heat at Old Trafford amid his side's worst start to a Premier League season.

Berrada has held talks with Xavi about a potential arrival in the coming weeks. The former Barcelona manager and player has asked to be assisted by 'well-known' ex-United names, although these are undisclosed. One of those may be Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is already working as Ten Hag's assistant.

Xavi oversaw 91 wins in 143 games at Camp Nou and ended the Catalans' three-year La Liga title drought in 2023. He left in the summer amid a clash with the higher-ups.

Berrada previously worked at Barca in a managing marketing and sponsoring role. His talks with Xavi come with many expecting Ten Hag to be dismissed eventually. Manchester United sit 14th in the league, with three wins and four defeats in nine games.

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'Skilfully attacking' - ex-Barcelona man Xavi on his Guardiola-esque playing style amid Manchester United links

Xavi played under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona (Image - Getty)

Xavi was a product of Barcelona's La Masia academy and learned the tiki-taxa brand of football Pep Guardiola implemented at Camp Nou. This may have influenced his own philosophy, and he delved into this years ago (via mancity.com):

"My concept is very similar. Guardiola also wants to be dominant, he wants to have the ball, strong possession, lots of attacking movements... It’s ultimately about being proactive within the game."

Xavi oversaw ups and downs at Barca during his managerial reign but was praised for producing an attractive style. This might be a major factor in Manchester United pursuing him as a Ten Hag replacement:

"It’s about skilfully attacking the opponent in a certain way. In this sense it is not my idea. I’ve learned a lot with Guardiola, from the way he is, the ambition he has, the desire and passion that he feels."

Manchester United's main concerns have been on the goalscoring front with just eight goals in nine league games. They are among the lowest scorers in the English top flight this season.

Xavi's La Liga title-winning season in the Camp Nou dugout included 70 goals. He got the best out of forwards and played a significant role in youth development, with Lamine Yamal a prime example.