Xavi: Man United must avoid temptation to repeat past errors

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The Peoples Person

·6 janvier 2026

Xavi: Man United must avoid temptation to repeat past errors

Manchester United fans had a familiar feeling on Monday morning, one they have had to learn to get used to in the 12 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

End of another era

Many could see the tensions rising with an irate Ruben Amorim talking to the press before and after his side’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

Vidéos OneFootball

Somewhat unsurprisingly, it was announced on Monday morning that the Portuguese would be leaving the club with immediate effect after just 14 months in charge. Darren Fletcher will take temporary charge of the team, with United most likely waiting until the summer to appoint a new permanent head coach.

There have been a plethora of names linked to the job, and there will most likely be many more over the coming months.

Xavi Hernandez

One manager who has frequently been linked to a move to Old Trafford is former FC Barcelona player and boss, Xavi.

On the surface, there are plenty of positives in the Catalan’s favour.

He is a huge name in football history, judged by many to be one of the best midfielders in the history of the game. As a result, he would demand instant respect from the dressing room, full of players who probably idolised him as youngsters.

In addition, he did a decent job at FC Barcelona, taking the reins when the club was dealing with huge financial problems and the loss of Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain. Nonetheless, in spite of these challenging circumstances, he managed to win the La Liga title and the Super Cup during his tenure.

The 45-year-old would also be very well-qualified to judge the current state of United’s midfield and may be the first manager in a very long time to help carry out the extensive surgery needed in this part of the team. In spite of all this, United should avoid the mistakes of the past and not hire Xavi, at least not now.

Premier League experience

There is no league like the Premier League. Nowhere in world football are teams so frequently challenged and made to fight for every point like in England.

The physical nature of the football is also something which takes foreign players and coaches by surprise, and they often need a while to adapt, if they even can. The one thing United have rarely done in their recent managerial searches is prioritise a manager with recent Premier League success.

Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim both had success away from England, but in the Dutch and Portuguese leagues. They could not transfer their achievements to the Premier League, and United were once again left ruing another error in judgement.

Xavi has never experienced anything outside of Spain or Qatar as a player or manager. He would certainly need significant time to adapt and learn the nuances of English football, and that is not something United can afford to offer right now.

Most fans would probably agree that United must hire a manager with significant, relevant experience of winning in the Premier League, and Xavi clearly does not fit the bill in this regard.

Lack of experience

It’s not even the lack of experience in England, but in general management, that should count against the Spaniard.

He has managed 102 games for Al Sadd and 142 matches for FC Barcelona. He does boast an impressive win record of 66% in Qatar and 63% in Spain, but he has been out of work since May 2024.

Moreover, whilst he handled the pressure of Barcelona, he ultimately failed as manager, as he was sacked by the club.

Style of play clash

Even if Xavi could adapt to the league, there is even a doubt whether United fans would want the style of football he would employ.

The former midfielder was a pass master and an architect of Barcelona’s tiki-taka style in the early 2010s. Whilst his teams are not as wedded to this concept as he was as a player, they still employ slow build-up and possession-based football.

This is not really in alignment with the rapid, counter-attacking football that United fans traditionally love to see. Louis van Gaal tried to implement a more patient, possession-based style of football and it is safe to say not many fans yearn for those days again.

Final thoughts

Whilst Xavi is a huge name in football and would command instant respect and awe in the dressing room, his potential appointment would be a repeat of past errors.

His lack of Premier League experience and style of football are not the gamble United need right now, as they must get their next appointment spot on.