Manchester United 'hold talks' with Xavi as Real Madrid boost emerges

Manchester United are looking ahead to a busy week after returning to winning ways after the international break.

United claimed a 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford in the Premier League thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund. The Reds got the win on the back of a run of five matches without a victory before the two-week hiatus for international fixtures.

That run had led to increased pressure over Erik ten Hag's future as United manager. Thomas Tuchel was linked with potentially replacing the Dutchman before he was named as Gareth Southgate's successor as the new England manager. MEN Sport takes a look at some of the latest United stories that have generated headlines over the last 24 hours.

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United 'target' Xavi to be Ten Hag replacement

Reports have emerged claiming that former Barcelona manager Xavi is a candidate to replace Ten Hag at United.

According to the Daily Mail, United have identified Xavi as the manager they want to appoint should they decide to part ways with Ten Hag. It has been reported that the Reds have already held initial discussions with the former Barcelona boss's representatives over a potential appointment.

However, the article goes on to say that, despite United holding meetings in Barcelona in recent months, they are not related to the possible future appointment of Xavi. The report also stresses that Ten Hag's position as United manager remains safe despite the intense speculation.

MEN Sport says: It should come as no surprise to see Xavi linked with the United manager's job at some point. What is unusual is the timing, given the update comes on the back of a win over Brentford in the Premier League.

During the international break, there was relative silence on who could be Ten Hag's successor should a change be made. Now that Premier League football has returned and a win with it, an update has emerged. That, in itself, presents more questions than answers.

Diogo Dalot boost

United defender Diogo Dalot is increasingly likely to remain at Old Trafford, based on a fresh report.

According to Give Me Sport, Real Madrid are no longer interested in signing the United full-back in 2025. The La Liga giants are in the market for a new right-back following the injury to Dani Carvajal.

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked as a target, with reports in recent weeks also suggesting Dalot could be a player of interest. However, the latest article has claimed that the Portugal international is no longer under consideration for Madrid ahead of the January window, with Tottenham's Pedro Porro and Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong alongside Alexander-Arnold on their shortlist.

MEN Sport says: Granted, the links between Dalot and Madrid have been rather speculative, to say the least. However, as long as the rumours existed, there would also be an element of doubt about Dalot remaining a United player in the long term.

Now that the fresh update has emerged, United will be hoping that proves to be the case and that Dalot can remain a staple for the club's defence for years to come.

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