Erik ten Hag future: Former Barcelona boss Xavi makes decision on replacing Manchester United boss

On the back of the club's worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, current head coach Erik ten Hag is facing a battle to save his job.

As it stands, an improved run that has seen draws away at Porto and Aston Villa followed by a comeback victory over Brentford has kept the Dutchman in the Old Trafford dugout.

Nevertheless, there is a feeling that as little as two more successive defeats may lead to the powers-that-be at the Theatre of Dreams finally pulling the trigger.

United's next two fixtures sees them square off against Fenerbahce in the Europa League and versus West Ham United in the Premier League, both games taking place on away territory.

What is Xavi's stance?

As such, it is plausible that minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club's board may choose to act if United fail to impress in Turkey or England's capital.

Earlier this week, the suggestion was that United CEO Omar Berrada had held at least one round of discussions with Xavi during a trip to Spain.

The 44-year-old has been out of work since departing his role as Barcelona boss at the end of last season, the perception being that he is now awaiting his next challenge.

However, according to AS, Xavi would turn down any opportunity to replace Ten Hag over the coming weeks.

Xavi reportedly intends to continue his sabbatical from football and will not be tempted into cutting that short before the midway point of the season.

Will this buy Ten Hag more time?

If widespread reports are to be believed, Ten Hag was only offered a contract extension courtesy of INEOS failing to secure their desired replacement in the summer.

As well as Xavi's take on the situation, Thomas Tuchel has also been announced as England manager, while other alleged candidates such as Roberto De Zerbi are in new jobs.

For the time being, there are few obvious candidates to succeed Ten Hag, with his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy perhaps most likely to do so in the short term if required.