Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Manchester United 'make shock approach for ex-Barcelona manager'

sportsmole.co.uk, 1 June 2024, 07:27
Manchester United have apparently made a shock approach to an ex-Barcelona manager amid perennial uncertainty over Erik ten Hag's future.

Despite masterminding a surprise 2-1 win over Manchester City in the final of the FA Cup - thereby clinching his second trophy in two seasons at Old Trafford - Ten Hag's position is far from secure.

Reports prior to the FA Cup final claimed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe was planning to give the Dutchman the boot regardless of the Wembley result, but he remains in situ at this moment in time.

Ten Hag - who still has one year left to run on his contract - has repeatedly stressed that he is relaxed about his situation and has also suggested that INEOS are planning for the future with him at the helm.

However, after overseeing Man United's worst Premier League finish alongside an early Champions League elimination, Ten Hag is supposedly not viewed as a long-term solution, and the consensus is that he will be axed in the coming weeks.

Man United 'make informal contact with Xavi'

As the Red Devils hierarchy scope out potential replacements, AS claims that "very informal" contact has been made with Xavi, who was sacked in comical circumstances by Barcelona at the end of the 2023-24 season.

The La Liga-winning head coach originally revealed his plans to leave in January and reaffirmed for months that he would not change his mind, only to perform a U-turn after talks with president Joan Laporta.

Just a few weeks after Xavi's stay was confirmed, though, the Spaniard rubbed Laporta up the wrong way with comments about the club's financial situation, leading to his sacking and the appointment of Hansi Flick.

The report claims that Man United have touched base with Xavi to enquire about his availability, although both AC Milan and Ajax - who made contact in January after his resignation bombshell - are also in the picture.

In addition, the South Korea national team have supposedly offered Xavi the chance to lead the team at the 2026 World Cup, but the Tigers of Asia and all three interested clubs are likely to be left disappointed.

The report adds that Xavi plans to follow the Jurgen Klopp strategy and take a year-long sabbatical before deciding on his next destination, thus ruling out Man United's chances of hiring him as Ten Hag's immediate successor.

Chelsea had also been linked with a move for the legendary Barcelona midfielder as a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino, but the Blues are now on the cusp of hiring Leicester City's Enzo Maresca.

Who is at the top of Man United's managerial shortlist?

Xavi was never considered a serious candidate for the Man United job, although the same cannot be said of Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna, who has erased any doubt over his future by signing a new long-term deal with the newly-promoted Premier League side.

Instead, England head coach Gareth Southgate is believed to be at the top of Ratcliffe's wishlist, while speculation continues to rage over the possibility of Thomas Tuchel taking charge after his Bayern Munich departure.

Contact has reportedly been made with the entourage of Roberto De Zerbi too, and Pochettino's name has been floating around since the Argentine's shock Chelsea exit.

1 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners 'rejected by £51.2m midfielder'
Arsenal have reportedly suffered an early blow in their pursuit of a defensive midfielder, as one of Mikel Arteta's top targets has ruled out a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
1 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Saturday's Transfer Talk Update: Victor Osimhen, Nicolas Jackson, Romelu Lukaku
The season is over and while the transfer window doesn't technically open until June 14, clubs across the UK and Europe are free to get deals in place ahead of next season.
1 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Saturday's Major League Soccer predictions including Inter Miami vs. St Louis City
DC United vs. Toronto (Sunday, 12.30am) Seeking their first-ever victory at Audi Field, Toronto will end their two-game MLS road trip with a visit to the US capital to face DC United on Saturday. The Black and Red failed to recover from an early deficit against CF Montreal on Wednesday, losing 4-2, while Toronto managed to grind out a 0-0 draw with the Philadelphia Union.
1 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Saturday's Brasileiro predictions including Corinthians vs. Botafogo
Gremio vs. Bragantino (Saturday, 8.00pm) Bragantino travel to Porto Alegre to face Gremio at the Estadio Couto Pereira for a Brasileiro battle on Saturday. While the hosts are bidding to win two games in the space of just four days, the visitors are looking to extend their unbeaten run to four matches.
1 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Saturday's Argentine Primera Division predictions including Racing vs. Deportivo Riestra
Racing vs. Deportivo Riestra (Saturday, 10.00pm) Racing Club are undoubted favourites to dispatch Deportivo Riestra in Saturday's Argentine Primera Division clash at Estadio Presidente Peron. The round four meeting sees the in-form early-season high-flyers host a side beaten in two of three league outings at the start of the season.
1 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Rosariovs.Lanus
Rosario Central will look to bounce back from their continental heartbreak in midweek when they welcome Lanus to Estadio Gigante de Arroyito on Sunday.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
River Platevs.Tigre
River Plate set out in search of a fifth consecutive home victory when they welcome Tigre to the Estadio Mas Monumental in round four of the Argentine Primera Division on Sunday.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
"No doubt" - Carlo Ancelotti responds to Rodrygo Manchester City, Liverpool links
Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that Rodrygo remains "very important" to Real Madrid amid interest from Manchester City and Liverpool.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madrid 'set date for Kylian Mbappe transfer announcement'
Real Madrid will reportedly unveil Kylian Mbappe as their first summer signing on Monday.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madrid 'set date for Kylian Mbappe transfer announcement'
Real Madrid will reportedly unveil Kylian Mbappe as their first summer signing on Monday.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Genkvs.GentGent
KRC Genk are set to host KAA Gent at the Cegeka Arena in Belgium's Pro League on Sunday, and the winner will qualify for the Europa Conference League.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
C. Cordobavs.Talleres
Round four of the 2024 Argentine Primera Division season sees Central Cordoba and Talleres go head to head at Santiago del Estero on Sunday.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea 'unlikely to pursue £113m-rated forward amid Paris Saint-Germain competition'
Chelsea are reportedly prepared to cool their interest in Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Platensevs.Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors return to action in the Argentine Primera Division when they journey to the Estadio Ciudad de Vicente Lopez take on Platense on Sunday.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Serbia U17sSerbia Under-17svs.Portugal U17sPortugal Under-17s
Serbia Under-17s and Portugal Under-17s will go head-to-head in Sunday's European Under-17 Championship semi-final.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool-linked Premier League attacker opens door to summer transfer
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has opened the door to a summer departure, amid interest from Liverpool.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Institutovs.Gimnasia
Instituto will be hoping to quickly bounce back from their first defeat in the second phase of the Argentine Primera Division campaign when they host Gimnasia at the Estadio Presidente Peron.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Vascovs.Flamengo
Vasco da Gama will resume their Brasileiro campaign when they host Flamengo at the Maracana on Sunday evening.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester City expiring contracts: Who is free to leave this summer and next?
After winning a record fourth successive Premier League title in 2023-24, Manchester City are expected to be active in the summer transfer window as they endeavour to retain their crown and compete for other domestic and continental trophies in the new campaign.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Denmark U17sDenmark Under-17svs.Italy U17sItaly Under-17s
A place in the European Under-17 Championship final will be on the line when Denmark Under-17s face Italy Under-17s on Monday.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
England WomenEngland Womenvs.France WomenFrance Women
England Women's bid to automatically qualify for Euro 2025 suffered a painful setback as France Women came from behind to win 2-1 at St James' Park in League A Group 3.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Crystal Palace transfers: Is Oliver Glasner planning for life without key quartet?
Crystal Palace seemed to hit a bit of a rut towards the end of Roy Hodgson's reign and they were in danger of slipping into the relegation picture following a run of just three wins in 17 Premier League games.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Dortmundvs.Real Madrid
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Thibaut Courtois will start in goal for Saturday's Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
KFUMvs.Sandefjord
KFUM-Kameratene Oslo are set to host last-placed Sandefjord at the KFUM Arena on Sunday in Norway's Eliteserien.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku 'set for Antonio Conte reunion in Serie A'
Napoli-bound Antonio Conte is reportedly interested in a reunion with Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Haugesundvs.Bodo/Glimt
FK Haugesund are set to host league-leaders Bodo/Glimt at the Haugesund Stadion on Sunday in Norway's Eliteserien.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Atalantavs.Fiorentina
Putting the full stop on Serie A's 2023-24 season, Atalanta BC and Fiorentina meet on Sunday evening, to finally fulfil a much-delayed fixture.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Dortmundvs.Real Madrid
A Real Madrid side on the hunt for their 15th European Cup/Champions League title square off with one-time winners Borussia Dortmund in the final of the 2023-24 edition at Wembley on Saturday night.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Anthony Martial 'wanted by three European giants ahead of Manchester United exit'
Lyon, Marseille and Besiktas are all reportedly interested in signing departing Manchester United forward Anthony Martial.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Anthony Martial 'wanted by three European giants ahead of Man United exit'
Lyon, Marseille and Besiktas are all reportedly interested in signing departing Manchester United forward Anthony Martial.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Atlantavs.Charlotte FC
Days after stunning Inter Miami, Atlanta United host Charlotte FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday on their return to MLS action.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
AVSvs.PortimonensePortimonense
Hanging on to their top-flight status by a thread, Portimonense must overturn a first-leg deficit if they are to defeat newcomers AVS in the Primeira Liga's promotion/relegation playoff.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Djurgardenvs.Hammarby
Battling for the bragging rights of Stockholm, city rivals Djurgardens IF and Hammarby will clash at Tele2 Arena for an all-important Swedish Allsvenskan match on Sunday afternoon.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Atletico Mineirovs.Bahia
Atletico Mineiro host second-placed Bahia in Sunday's round seven Brasileiro encounter at Arena MRV.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Fortalezavs.Athletico PR
The final match of gameweek seven in Brasileiro will come from Estadio Municipal Presidente Getulio Vargas, where Fortaleza will play host to Athletico Paranaense on Sunday night.
31 May 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sao Paulovs.Cruzeiro
Gamweek seven in Brasileiro will see two in-form sides face off, with Sao Paulo playing host to Cruzeiro at MorumBIS on Sunday night.
Show more

Top News

18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal Women have been left with a mountain to climb in the Women's Champions League owing to a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has admitted he expects to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Morgan Gibbs-White has revealed his reaction to receiving a late England call-up from Thomas Tuchel. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Jeremie Frimpong has fuelled speculation over a summer move to Liverpool by greeting Ryan Gravenberch in a scouse accent. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has seen three players withdraw from his squad due to injury ahead of Thursday's UEFA Nations League quarter-final first-leg clash with Netherlands at De Kuip in Rotterdam. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has named his 24-man squad ahead of Thursday's UEFA Nations League quarter-final first-leg clash with Spain at De Kuip in Rotterdam. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk UEFA Nations League holders Spain travel to De Kuip in Rotterdam to face the Netherlands in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Thursday night. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Al Nassr are plotting a stunning move to sign Gabriel Magalhaes this summer, talkSPORT understands. 18 March 2025 talksport.com A trio of England under-21 players joined Thomas Tuchel's training session on Tuesday. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have confirmed that Cole Palmer has returned from the England squad to undergo further assessment on the injury he sustained before Sunday's 1-0 loss to Arsenal. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Continuing their quest for a first UEFA Nations League crown, Italy will welcome familiar foes Germany to San Siro on Thursday evening, as the pair play out the first leg of an enticing quarter-final tie. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal fans may have to wait until next season to see the best of Bukayo Saka ahead of his imminent return from hamstring surgery, Gunners expert Charles Watts believes. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Jean-Philippe Mateta injury was so severe his plastic surgeon refused to show him pictures of his ear. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Ultimately aiming to claim a first UEFA Nations League title, Germany will kick off their quarter-final clash with old foes Italy on Thursday. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has suggested that Darwin Nunez could still have a future at Anfield, but not as Arne Slot's starting number nine. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Armenia host neighbours Georgia in Yerevan on Thursday evening, as the two nations fight for the right to play in league B of the UEFA Nations League. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool are ready to consider offers for striker Darwin Nunez, talkSPORT understands. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Austria host Serbia on Thursday evening, looking to gain an advantage in their two-legged playoff for the right to play in Group A of the UEFA Nations League. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Seeking a place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, European heavyweights Italy and Germany will convene at San Siro on Thursday, for the first leg of their quarter-final tie. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Luka Modric has reportedly decided whether he intends to remain at Real Madrid past the end of the season. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Leicester player Hamza Choudhury was mobbed by fans after arriving for his first senior international call-up. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk is allegedly the subject of surprise interest from a Bundesliga club. 18 March 2025 talksport.com A brand-new competition will be taking place this summer, with some of the world's biggest clubs eyeing glory in the USA. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Ola Aina had a hilarious response to discovering he would be sharing a bed with Alex Iwobi on international duty. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Arsenal have added Carabao Cup winning Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes to their list of summer transfer targets, talkSPORT understands. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Vying for a place in the UEFA Nations League's top tier, Scotland and Greece will meet for the first leg of their promotion/relegation playoff on Thursday. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Troy Deeney has reiterated his belief that Mohamed Salah is 'not world class' after his Wembley woes. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Papiss Cisse has been convinced to come out of retirement at the age of 39 by a former Newcastle teammate. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Two teams at opposite ends of Group C in the third round of AFC World Cup qualifiers will clash on Thursday as leaders Japan face Bahrain. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Danny Drinkwater was once given just an hour to leave Chelsea and led to a bust-up with the manager.