Xavi praised Erik Ten Hag’s managerial quality, saying the Dutch tactician has restored 4 Manchester United players to the peak of their powers
By Kehinde Okeowo
Barcelona boss, Xavier Hernández Creus, better known as Xavi, has commended his Man United counterpart, Erik ten Hag, saying the Dutch manager has restored four Manchester United players to the peak of their powers.
Xavi made the comment while speaking with The Times of the Dutchman, prior to his team’s second leg Europa League play-off against Man United tonight at Old Trafford.
The fascinating tie is delicately poised after the two European giants could not be separated in the first leg of the tie at Camp Nou.
Barcelona had to come from behind to force a 2-2 draw in the match despite taking the lead through former Chelsea defender, Marcos Alonso.
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Xavi, who has been impressed by how Ten Hag has managed Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Fred was quick to acknowledge his managerial ability.
Sancho was sent on an individual training camp midway through the season and has got back to scoring ways after a challenging few months last autumn.
Rashford, meanwhile, is the most in-form player in England having scored 24 goals in all competitions, ably supported by playmaker Fernandes.
In midfield, Fred has bounced back from the criticism he received last season during an extended run in the side and was also singled out by Xavi
Speaking about Ten Hag’s success story, the Spanish tactician said: “He is very good, I like him a lot.
“He has built a team and is getting the best out of all his players. That speaks well of him. Tactically, he is very good and he handles the dressing room very well. He is getting all the talent out of his players. You see Sancho, Rashford, the Portuguese guy [Fernandes]. And look how Fred is playing.”
The 43-year-old Barca manager, who promised to take the fight to the Red Devils in the second leg, added: “We are a brave team that likes to attack and always win. [This game] will not be an exception. It’s like a big Champions League game that, due to circumstances – because we’ve made mistakes and because both teams are ultimately in a building phase – is being played in the Europa League.
“But for the fans, it’s a massively interesting match. And, for the players, one of those matches that everyone wants to play at least once in their life.”
Ten Hag, after taking over at Old Trafford ahead of this season, has won an impressive 27 of his first 38 games.
Man United under him are also in four competitions and could claim their first trophy in six years on Sunday when they take on Newcastle in the EFL Cup final.