Thierry Henry has revealed that he urged Barcelona to appoint Erik ten Hag as head coach before the Dutchman joined Manchester United. The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker admitted he sent a personal plea to club president Joan Laporta after Ronald Koeman was sacked, but the Catalan giants chose Xavi instead.
Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford in the summer after impressing with Ajax. Despite initial struggles, he has guided United to a top-four challenge in the Premier League. Henry, speaking after United's 3-2 defeat to Arsenal, said: 'I am a big fan of Ten Hag. He is the coach I recommended to Laporta. He is a genius.'
The French World Cup winner believes Ten Hag could lead United to play more attractive football than under Sir Alex Ferguson. 'If Ten Hag gets it right, they will play more attractive football than they played under Sir Alex,' Henry added.
Barcelona, now top of La Liga under Xavi, will face Ten Hag's United in the Europa League playoffs next month. Xavi acknowledged the challenge, saying: 'Going to Manchester against a tough rival that has grown a lot with Ten Hag. It is a massive challenge.'
