The wife of a manager linked with the now-vacant Manchester United job has sparked rumours that he could indeed become the next boss at Old Trafford.
Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham United on Sunday, United have finally pulled the trigger on sacking Erik ten Hag following months of uncertainly around the Dutchman's future.
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Ten Hag's dismissal on Monday afternoon came just nine games into the 2024/25 Premier League season, with the Red Devils languishing in 14th spot on the table having lost more matches than they have won.
Last week, reports began to emerge suggesting that former FC Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez was being sounded out as a potential successor to the under-fire Ten Hag, and those rumours have since been amplified by the Spaniard's wife after a recent social media post.
According to Manchester Evening News, Xavi's wife posted a picture of their son wearing United's 2023/24 home shirt on Instagram, fuelling suggestions that the 44-year-old tactician could indeed be the next manager at the Theatre of Dreams.
Moreover, Sky Sports has claimed that new United CEO Omar Berrada has held discussions with Xavi about the possibility of him becoming United manager in the coming weeks.
Another report by EuroSport also claims that three other managers are on the Mancunians' shortlist, including Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, Brentford coach Thomas Frank, and ex-Borussia Dortmund tactician Edin Terzic, while Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann is also said to be under consideration.
Xavi, meanwhile, has been without a job since his acrimonious departure from Barca at the end of last season.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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