In a shocking turn of events, Manchester United has sacked Erik ten Hag following a string of disappointing performances that have left fans and management alike in despair. Ten Hag's departure comes after the Red Devils suffered their fourth defeat in just nine Premier League matches this season, marking a grim start to the 2024/25 campaign. The team is also winless in their first three Europa League fixtures, frustrating supporters and raising serious concerns about the club's direction.

The final straw for Ten Hag appeared to be Sunday’s controversial loss against West Ham United. Although the match was marred by contentious refereeing decisions, the result was largely attributed to Manchester United's inability to convert clear opportunities, especially in the first half. Following this latest setback, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the CEO of Manchester United, is in the midst of assessing the managerial landscape, clearly regretting his choice to extend Ten Hag's contract over the summer after a very troubling performance last season, where Man Utd finished at their all-time worst in the Premier League.

With Ten Hag's tenure officially over, speculation regarding his successor is heating up. Among the names circulating is former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez, who is reportedly a frontrunner for the role. Xavi enjoyed a successful stint at Barcelona, where he led the club to multiple trophies before resigning at the end of the 2023/24 season. His recent availability has made him an attractive option for Manchester United, and discussions between him and the club's management are said to be already underway.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has reported that Xavi views the position at Manchester United as a significant opportunity and has expressed a desire to be supported by former club legends to ensure a successful transition. Understandably, the task ahead will not be easy, as he will be stepping into a club struggling for identity and consistency.

Adding to the intrigue, a recent social media post from Xavi showed him enjoying a moment with his son, who donned a Manchester United jersey, hinting at a potential desire to make the move to Old Trafford even more personal.

As Manchester United navigates this critical juncture, symptoms of a deep-rooted crisis resonate throughout the squad. Defender Lisandro Martinez conveyed his disappointment in the team's recent performances, urging players to reflect and refocus. "We know the expectations are incredibly high at this club. We're determined to fight our way back to the top, even if it means digging deeper," he stated.

As the dust settles on Ten Hag's sacking, the club is at a crossroads. Will Xavi take the reins and steer Manchester United back to glory, or will they look elsewhere? One thing is for sure; the Red Devils need a miracle to rectify this stark situation before it spirals further out of control. Keep watching this space for updates on the managerial saga at Old Trafford!