Manchester United approached Xavi after Barcelona sack to potentially succeed Ten Hag

Manchester United reportedly sounded out a potential move for Xavi following his Barcelona sacking but had no joy in their approach.

That’s according to Spanish outlet Diario AS, which claims the Catalan legend made it clear he wants to take a sabbatical and put his management career on pause for now.

In fairness, Xavi wasn’t half messed around by the Barcelona board. He announced back in January that he’d be stepping down from his role in the dugout at the end of the 2023/2024 campaign after three years with his former club.

However, in April, he performed a U-turn on his decision and revealed that he’d be staying as the La Liga giants’ coach for the foreseeable future. Xavi claimed that positive conversations with club president Joan Laporta gave him the assurances he needed to continue leading the Blaugrana.

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Xavi left red-faced after committing future to Camp Nou

That was until Barcelona finished the campaign trophyless, 10 points behind Real Madrid in the league table and were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals, which led to Laporta then carrying out his own U-turn by sacking Xavi on May 24. Ouch.

Former Bayern Munich and German national team coach Hansi Flick has been acquired as his successor, while a decision is yet to be made over Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.