Xavi to Man Utd? Ex-Barcelona boss joins Ruben Amorim and two more coaches on INEOS shortlist as Red Devils sound out possible Erik ten Hag replacements

- WHAT HAPPENED?
  
  According to The Mirror, Xavi, Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim, ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic and Brentford manager Thomas Frank are all high on the Old Trafford hit list. The Red Devils reportedly made contact with Xavi earlier this month, perhaps indicating Ten Hag’s time at Old Trafford is drawing to a close.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ten Hag has won two trophies at United since taking over as manager in 2022 but currently it seems like they are not progressing, despite spending around £200 million on signings this summer. And the fact that all these reports continue to circle that minority owners INEOS are looking for his potential successor is not a good sign. Ten Hag, however, remains bullish on his future.
WHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID

After the 1-1 Europa League draw with Fenerbahce on Thursday, Ten Hag said: “Injuries hold us back in our levels – and also in our position in the league. Because when you don’t have the players available, you can’t line up the best team. We need more players, often available – and we have to work all together on this point. That is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff. We know when we have them we are a really tough team to play and we can be really successful. That is what we have shown over the last couple of months.”
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WHAT NEXT?

Amid the speculation about Ten Hag’s future and who could replace him in the dugout, his United team take on West Ham on Sunday in a battle between 12th and 15th respectively in the Premier League.

WHAT HAPPENED?