Wayne Veysey

Tue 29 October 2024 10:30, UK

Man United CEO Omar Berrada has held talks with Xavi Hernandez in Spain as the club’s managerial search intensifies, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider exclusively revealed early on Monday that Ruben Amorim is also in talks with the club to replace Erik ten Hag, and he is currently in pole position.

Sources familiar with United’s situation have told Football Insider that a new manager deal could be agreed by the end of the week after initial progress was made before Ten Hag’s dismissal.

However, former Barcelona manager Xavi remains another option that the 20-time champions are considering.

The 44-year-old is reluctant to take the hot seat at Old Trafford in the middle of the season and it is believed that he has a family issue that would make moving to England difficult before the end of the campaign.

Berrada has been tasked with leading United’s search for a new manager, with Ruud van Nistelrooy currently in charge on an interim basis.

United dismissed Ten Hag on Monday (October 28) after their loss against West Ham at the weekend, which left the club 14th in the table after the opening nine fixtures of the Premier League campaign.

Man United have two different options in Xavi Hernandez and Ruben Amorim

Xavi boasts a 69.6% win percentage from the 102 games he’s managed throughout his career, but he’s never coached in England before.

Amorim would present a similar risk as the Sporting boss doesn’t have Premier League experience, although he has previously been linked with Liverpool, West Ham and Chelsea.

The 39-year-old guided Sporting to the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season, marking the first time they’ve won the title since 2021.

Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that the United board were keen to have Ten Hag’s replacement lined up before deciding to fire him, with talks having taken place last week.

Football Insider also revealed that Michael Carrick is unlikely to be among the leading candidates for the job, despite his history with the football club.

United are currently considering more experienced options to replace Ten Hag, which is why the Middlesbrough boss isn’t in the running.

In other news, Antony could agree ‘loan-to-buy move before January’ – Insider.

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