Manchester United have held 'secret talks' with FOUR managers to replace Erik ten Hag

Manchester United have reportedly held ‘secret talks’ with four leading candidates to replace Erik ten Hag if he leaves the club.

Ten Hag, 54, is into his third campaign as manager of Manchester United, but things are seemingly not improving after the Red Devils finished a record-low eighth place in the Premier League last season.

A 2-1 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City in June 2024 was thought to be a crucial factor as to why he remains United boss.

However, it has been widely reported that the United hierarchy were considering their options last summer before Ten Hag signed a contract extension until 2026.

This season has started poorly, with United winning just one – a 2-1 win against Brentford last Saturday - of their last seven matches in all competitions.

Thomas Tuchel was heavily linked with the job before he accepted the England manager’s role, which ruled him out of the running for the United job if Ten Hag were to be relieved of his duties.

United put in another less-than-impressive performance during their 1-1 draw at Fenerbahçe on Thursday evening, which meant the speculation surrounding the manager’s position ramped up once again.

Reports have now emerged which suggest 'secret talks’ have been held with four managers, according to Daily Mail.

Xavi is thought to be highly thought of at Old Trafford (Credit:Getty)

The report explains how former Barcelona manager Xavi was contacted by a “four-man delegation led by chief executive Omar Berrada” ten days ago, meaning they have now spoken to the Spaniard “twice in recent months” if reports are to be believed.

Xavi, 44, has been without a managerial role since leaving Barcelona at the end of last season.

Despite having only managed Qatari side Al Sadd and Barca, he boasts a La Liga title, which he guided the Catalans to during the 2022-23 season.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank is also thought to be admired by suitors at Old Trafford. The Dane was among the candidates that United spoke to in the summer alongside Tuchel, Kieran McKenna and Marco Silva.

Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is also reportedly being considered. The 39-year-old has previously been linked with the Liverpool and West Ham United jobs but has remained in the Portuguese capital.

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic is also a potential target, he left the Germans in June following their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley.