Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has called out Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and praised him for transforming Manchester United. The Spaniard also said the Dutch tactician has turned Marcus Rashford into “one of the most dangerous players in Europe.”
The Spanish giants will host Manchester United on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League knockout round play-off later today. Ten Hag was appointed in the summer and has quickly made his mark, with the Red Devils flying high in the Premier League and also in the EFL Cup final. “Ten Hag is a great coach,” Xavi said.
He also said: “In my mind, I believe that somehow [reversing] the situation of United was no easy task and he’s accomplishing it.” “They are excited again, the club, the fanbase and also the way they play does a lot.” “He changes things offensively, defensively, everyone’s working very well, so it’s a tough rival for us and he’s a very interesting coach.”
Marcus Rashford in particular has excelled under the Dutch manager. The England international scored his 13th goal in 15 games since the World Cup in Sunday’s 2-0 win against Leeds, netting more than any other player in Europe in that time.
Xavi also said: ”In the transition, he is very, very dangerous so we need to take care of all of them but especially Rashford.” “He’s one of the most dangerous players now in Europe.”