It’s claim that contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months, with CEO Omar Berrada in Barcelona last Thursday as part of a four-person delegation.
In the event Xavi is hired, it begs the question; how might United line up?
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Xavi’s team typically lines up in a 4-3-3 formation, with the La Masia graduate championing the “Four P’s” – positioning, possession, pressure and perception.
In terms of line-ups, Xavi would not be likely to go searching for a new goalkeeper, given how well Andre Onana suits his style of wanting to play out from the back.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both extremely capable right-backs who could feature in a Xavi team due to their technical prowess, though the former’s ability to tuck into midfield could make the difference on who is given the nod.
Lisandro Martinez is another star who suits Xavi’s system, though there could be a toss up on who starts as the right centre-back.
Matthijs de Ligt has looked lightweight at times for United, which could prompt Xavi to ask the club to sign a new defender in the form of Ronald Araujo.
This being said, like Martinez, the Uruguayan is an aggressor centre-back, while the Argentine has played his best stuff alongside a covering partner in Raphael Varane.
Sir Alex Ferguson steps away from ambassador duties at Manchester United
That may instead mean Xavi turns to teen prodigy Leny Yoro, who is back in training after suffering an injury in pre-season.
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United have left-back options who are good when fit, however, both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw have been absent for some time, leaving Dalot as the main defender to fill in there.
If either Malacia or Shaw cannot be relied on to play, Xavi may try a raid on his old club by signing 21-year-old Alejandro Balde.
Moving into midfield, Xavi may finally be able to land the midfielder who was Ten Hag’s No1 target in his first summer at the club, Frenkie de Jong.
However, while the manager of Barcelona, Xavi had a number of midfield targets which he may switch over to his Old Trafford moving in shopping list.
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He is said to “love” Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who is a transfer target for Arsenal, while Arthur Vermeeren was also linked to Barcelona during Xavi’s tenure.
Alternatively, and echoing reports suggesting the Red Devils want to bring him back, Angel Gomes could also be a welcome addition in midfield.
United academy star Kobbie Mainoo is likely to remain in the team – given not just his importance and quality but also because Xavi is more than happy to give a large volume of minutes to youngsters.
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Further forward, Xavi may see fit to try and ease out club captain Bruno Fernandes by bringing in Xavi Simons – targeted by him in Spain and by United transfer chiefs.
But should Xavi tell transfer bosses he is desperate for some new additions, he may ask them to sign Barca target Nico Williams.
The Euro 2024 winner refused to move to the Blaugrana from Athletic Bilbao last summer as he wanted to stay for another season.
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Xavi may even look to some of his old favourites at Barcelona, with former Leeds star Raphinha and ex-Man City star Ferran Torres among his most used stars at the Camp Nou with 113 and 100 appearances respectively.
Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may also be a consideration, but he would likely be less available than the other options mentioned.
Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten Hag
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
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Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
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Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
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Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
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Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.
Le Tissier became the youngest player to make 100 Women’s Super League appearances in United’s 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday.
She hopes to go on to achieve a century of caps with England – but her priority is sealing a place in the squad for the defence of their European crown in 2025.
“It would mean everything. It would be an absolute dream. Playing in a major tournament with England – that’s what we all dream of,” said Le Tissier.
“I’ve been so close but still so far away, and I definitely need to improve my game. I will do everything I can this season to put myself there. It would be super special.”
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England’s preparations for Euro 2025 start this Friday when they face Germany (kick-off 19:30 BST) at Wembley Stadium – a repeat of the final two years ago.
Le Tissier watched the Lionesses squad in 2022 from the stands as future United team-mate Ella Toone scored on the way to England’s victory.
This season, Le Tissier was named captain of Manchester United while Toone was named vice-captain.
“I wasn’t even close to being part of the England team back then. I just got called up to a few camps after that,” said Le Tissier.
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“I was signing for United that summer. When Tooney scored that goal, I was like, ‘she’s going to be my team-mate!’
“Toone always comes up in the big moments, you can always trust her. I was just watching from the stands and it was really special.”
The BKFC superstar and former UFC fighter addressed his recent DUI arrest publicly for the first time on his podcast after he was taken into custody on Oct. 12 after being stopped by police in Florida. Perry was detained and later released on $1,500 bail but body cam footage showed the 33-year-old bare-knuckle veteran berating the officers and calling them homophobic slurs as he was being arrested.
“I want to say I’m sorry for talking to those guys like that,” Perry said. “I was a little pissed off at the moment. They were hurting my wrists and my shoulders. I’m not going to fight no cops. I’m definitely not. Go ahead and take me away.
“I’m not doing your sobriety test because I can’t stand on one foot anyway. I have no balance. I’m not going to play your games. I cussed them out but I apologize for that. I guess I was just driving a little too fast.”
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After he was stopped by police for allegedly driving “approximately” 20 miles-per-hour over the speed limit, Perry denied that he was drinking alcohol and then declined to take the sobriety test offered by the arresting officers.
The original police report stated that Perry also refused to take the breath test and he wouldn’t sign the DUI citation, which earned him a second misdemeanor charge in addition to driving under the influence.
Perry was eventually released on bail and his next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 30 in Florida.
While he’s dealt with legal issues in the past, Perry had largely avoided any trouble in recent years but his arrest landed him back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
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“I do want to do better,” Perry said. “I do want to be an influence to the younger generation. Someone my children can look up to but I also want to be fun. That doesn’t mean you have to break the law. I wasn’t trying to do that. I just want to be a good yin and yang.”
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Mourinho told reporters: “My relation with Sir Alex was amazing, incredible, when my Netflix documentary comes out you will know more about the reason why I have so much respect for him.
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“The ambassadorial role, I really don’t know that situation. But doesn’t matter why, doesn’t matter what.
“Sir Alex has the most important thing: which is the love and respect of every Man United fan around the world. And that is more important than an ambassadorial role, is more important than a few pounds that he can make that he doesn’t need.
“The most important thing is the love and respect that every Man United fan has for him.”
Ferguson served as United boss for almost 27 years between 1986 and 2013.
ABU DHABI – Diego Lopes traveled across the world because of maybe.
Maybe, he’ll fight. Maybe, he won’t.
Four days out from UFC 308, Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) doesn’t know. He’s the emergency backup for the featherweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
“I’m training for both guys,” Lopes told MMA Junkie at UAE Warriors 55 on Tuesday “… I’m ready for everything, bro.”
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In usual classy fashion (though unusually fluent English explanation), Lopes explained that he hopes his services are not needed. He wishes both main event competitors the best and is as excited as the fans to see the fight.
“I’m so excited too, to watch the fight,” Lopes said. “I hope Friday morning that everything is OK and the guys stay healthy for the fight this Saturday. I’m so excited for this Saturday night. … But if the UFC needs me, I’m ready.”
Should he not fight, it’s possible the stars will align for a UFC 312 battle vs. Alexander Volkanovski in Sydney. The event is scheduled for Feb. 8 (Feb. 9 local). At a recent press conference announcing the event, Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) name-dropped Lopes as a potential opponent.
Lopes loves that idea and said if his services aren’t needed at UFC 308, he’s ready and hopeful a fight vs. Volkanovski comes to fruition.
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“If UFC has this plan, yeah,” Lopes said. “I’m ready for the fight vs. Volkanovski in Australia. I think it’s the biggest deal for the division for the next title fight. If the UFC me as the fighter to fight Volkanovski in Australia, I’m ready. … Title or no title, I’m excited for the fight vs. Volk.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.
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Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
Speaking outside the Caledonian Stadium on Wednesday, former Dundee United, Rangers, Everton and Newcastle forward Ferguson said he and two of his coaches had been let go.
Earlier, Ferguson said he had “always been against administration”.
Players and other staff are expected to hear if they still have jobs on Thursday.
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Administrators BDO said they were working to “secure the long term future” of the Highland club by attempting to find new owners.
If that fails, assets could be sold and the money raised distributed to creditors.
Investor Alan Savage, a former club chairman, told BBC Scotland News he would give it his “best shot” to help save the club.
Asked if he was confident it could be saved, he replied: “Of course I am, yeah.”
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Savage pledged to help anyone who lost their job to find a new one.
Asked about his own role if the club survives, he said: “It’s a step-by-step process and until we’ve gone through those steps it’s a bit early to say.”
Shakhtar Donetsk fans congregate in London for their Champions League game against Arsenal, the first away sell-out they have had in 10 years of exile.
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