The Red Devils have made a terrible start
to the new Premier League season with Ten Hag’s side currently 12th after eight
matches.
Man Utd have won just three of those
eight games and that has piled pressure on the Dutchman to turn around their
fortunes.
According to Mail Sport, Manchester
United's intermediaries have made contact with the
former Barcelona star twice in the last few months.
A four-man delegation led by chief
executive Omar Berrada flew out to Barcelona last Thursday, although United
sources say that a number of high-level meetings have taken place in the
Catalan capital recently because co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been
there to support Ineos Britannia sailing team in their battle with
New Zealand for the America’s Cup
‘But it has also fuelled speculation that
Xavi could be a contender if Ten Hag is axed after two-and-half years in charge.
However, United sources maintain that Ten
Hag remains their manager and the club have no plans to make a change as he
prepares to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday.
Former Man Utd chief scout Mick Brown – who
remains well-connected at Old Trafford, recently said Ten Hag is “always one
defeat away” from being sacked.
Brown told Football
Insider: “Just winning a few games won’t be enough and
he’ll know that.
“You can win three games on the bounce, but
one shock defeat and that pressure will be back.
“Every time you lose a game at Manchester
United, you’re under the kosh. That’s always been the case. You’re always one
defeat away.
“So it’s good to win games, and he needs to
win games, that’s the only way he’ll be able to keep his job, but even that
might not be enough.
“They’ve got a good run of games coming up,
but that only increases the pressure.
“We’ve been in this position before where
they get all three points from a game and look like they can push on, but then
they lose again.
“All it takes is one loss for the crowd to
turn and all of a sudden a decision has to be made.”
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