Barcelona legend would be ‘really open’ to Man United job as shock Ruben Amorim replacement
Manchester United are staring down the barrel of yet another head coach change after their 3-1 loss to Brentford.
Man United are preparing to sack Amorim, according to reports, should results not improve ahead of the October international break.
A shortlist of candidates has been drawn up by Man United, should Sir Jim Ratcliffe choose to fire his first major hire as the club’s co-owner.
Man United’s 3-1 loss to Brentford was seen by many as the final nail in Amorim’s coffin, as the Portuguese head coach still searches for back-to-back Premier League wins.
Xavi would ‘say yes immediately’ if Man United called
Man United as a club are looking for their first back-to-back Premier League wins since May 2024, and the next set may not come until after Amorim is sacked.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, one manager who is out of work who could have their sights set on United is former Barcelona midfielder Xavi.
Romano, speaking on his Here We Go podcast, said: “What I can say about Xavi is he’d love to manage in the Premier League.
“He’s ready to try something different after spending virtually his whole career on and off the pitch in Spain, and the opportunity to go to the Premier League is something that would really tempt Xavi.
“If Manchester United were to call, I can say Xavi would say yes immediately, he’d be really open to the job even without Premier League football.”
The Barcelona legend isn’t the only former midfielder who has been linked to the job, with Michael Carrick a target of Man United owner Ratcliffe, according to reports.
Xavi once snubbed Man United, but U-turn comes as no surprise
Xavi spoke to The Times in 2021, recalling his past memories of Man United, saying: “Manchester United approached me once through Sir Alex Ferguson’s brother, but my answer was very quick; I was focused on Barca, my priority was only Barca.
“I am a fan from the very inside of myself, and that’s why it was impossible for me to leave. Now I see it differently. Everyone tells me that the Premier League is wonderful, a great league to work in.
| Xavi’s managerial career | Played | Wins | Losses | Draws |
| Al Sadd | 102 | 67 | 18 | 17 |
| Barcelona | 142 | 89 | 29 | 24 |
“First of all, for the passion with how they live the game. How they treat and respect you, the atmosphere and the stadiums.
“So why not? I could see myself [managing] in England, definitely, it’s one of the things I’d like to experience in my career.”
If Xavi were to come over to English football for the first time in his career, there aren’t many openings that are more obvious at current, than Man United.