Sources: Xavi opens door to joining Man United and Tottenham
Man United and Tottenham are expected to have Barcelona legend Xavi on their respective managerial shortlists if and when they each look for a new boss soon.
United recently appointed Michael Carrick as their new manager until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s sacking and Darren Fletcher’s short interim spell at the helm.
Carrick led the Red Devils to a 2-0 win in the Manchester derby in his first game back in the Old Trafford dugout, but his future at the club beyond this season remains uncertain.
Tottenham are in all kinds of trouble at the wrong end of the table once again this season, with Thomas Frank unable to win fans over and potentially facing the sack soon as his side lingers in 14th spot in the Premier League.
Football Insider recently revealed that Spurs will sack Frank soon if their results do not improve with immediate effect, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Xavi could be an option for the North London club, as well as United.
Xavi is on the radar of Man United and Tottenham as he aims for new managerial role
Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi has been out of management since he was sacked by the Catalan giants in May 2024 after two-and-a-half years in charge.
He led Barca to the 2022-23 La Liga title and made them a genuine force again by promoting youth players and a stricter rules system behind the scenes.
Xavi has been installed as the favourite to manage Spurs after Frank, but while they and United could have him on their radar soon, he is not set to be a frontrunner for either job.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Yeah, look, he would be an interesting option for both Manchester United and Tottenham, obviously he has got a glittering CV from his time at Barcelona.
“He obviously had a spell in charge at Barcelona where he did win the league, but he’s been out of work since the summer of 2024.
“I’m sure Xavi himself would be interested in the chance to maybe move to the Premier League and either join Manchester United or Tottenham.
“I’m not sure he’s probably so high up the list of both clubs. Obviously we know United are looking for a permanent manager in the summer with Michael Carrick in interim charge at the minute.
“Thomas Frank, for now, is still in charge at Tottenham, and no decision has been made on what they’re going to do long-term.“
Man United want to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa
Carrick looks to have improved United already, but they still need more additions to their squad over the next few windows to challenge near the very top of the league.
Villa stopper Martinez has been touted with a move to Old Trafford for a while now, but he does finally look set to leave the Second City this month amid serious interest from Inter Milan.
Sources have told Football Insider that United are keeping tabs on Martinez right now as he potentially prepares to leave Villa, even though they are happy with Senne Lammens’ progress.
There is a growing feeling that Villa could cash in on Martinez in the next week, and he could well end up at Old Trafford, with Xavi possibly set to be his manager come next season.