Xavi: Ex-Barca boss wants two signings if he takes Man United job | OneFootball

Xavi Hernandez has emerged as a “leading candidate” to take over at Manchester United – with the Spaniard already eyeing two signings from Barcelona to help lead his revolution at Old Trafford, according to a blockbuster report.

Sacked in the Morning

INEOS sent shockwaves across football on Monday morning with their decision to wield the axe on Ruben Amorim‘s time as head coach.

Internal conflicts bubbling beneath the surface throughout December were then dramatically unveiled by the Portuguese coach in a fiery press conference after the 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

Amorim made repeated references to his role being “manager, not coach” of United – a clear indication of discontent with his level of influence at the club – and demanded executives “do their jobs” so that he could do his.

It was a bombastic statement from a coach with a 31.9% win ratio who had led United to their worst campaign in the Premier League era last season. His security at Old Trafford stemmed exclusively from INEOS’s support off the pitch, with zero evidence to bolster his position on it.

It was little surprise, therefore, that INEOS confirmed Amorim’s dismissal on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after Amorim’s signed his death knell in the press room at Elland Road.

The Leading Candidate

Naturally, attention has immediately pivoted towards the Portuguese coach’s replacement – with U-18’s coach Darren Fletcher set to take charge on a temporary basis.

United are actively searching for a permanent caretaker to oversee the side until the end of the season before a long-term option is selected in the summer.

But, according to reports in Spain (as relayed by Football365), INEOS have already identified Xavi as the “ideal candidate to begin a long-term rebuild”. 

The 45-year-old coach, who led Barcelona to a La Liga title in 2023, is understood to be “open” to the switch – and he has already identified two Blaugrana midfielders- Gavi and Marc Bernal – as “key players” he would want United to sign upon his arrival.

Xavi : Managerial Stats

European football expert Kevin Hatchard describes the former Spain international as a “realistic option” for the Red Devils because he has the “gravitas” to thrive in the role, owing to his glittering career as a player.

Hatchard reveals Xavi would be dogmatic in his application of a 4-3-3 system predicated on possession and pressing – as he was taught at Camp Nou as a player.

And while the prospect of a militant manager with a system that equates to ‘my way or the high way’ may cause alarm bells after the last 14 months at Old Trafford, at least it would be with a back four.

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social