Xavi Hernandez is reportedly interested in taking over from Rúben Amorim at Manchester United if the position becomes available this summer.
Rúben Amorim is under growing pressure at Manchester United after a difficult start to the 2025/26 campaign.
United looked promising during their pre-season tour of the United States, but the optimism faded with an opening-day defeat to Arsenal. A draw against Fulham and a shock Carabao Cup elimination to Grimsby Town only added to the frustration.
Amorim then picked up his first league victory with a dramatic 3-2 win over Burnley, secured by a late Bruno Fernandes penalty.
Since the September international break, though, results have been mixed: a heavy 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, a narrow win over 10-man Chelsea, and a 3-1 loss to Brentford on Saturday have left the manager facing serious scrutiny.
Xavi interested in United job
Former Barcelona player and head coach Xavi Hernandez has been out of a job since the end of the 2023/24 campaign, when the Spaniard chose to take some time out of management after the intense pressure and environment at the club.
However, with the former World Cup winner now seeking a new challenge, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that the 45-year-old is actively studying the Premier League and would seize the opportunity to manage at Old Trafford.
“Xavi is studying the Premier League, Xavi is monitoring the Premier League, and Xavi would go immediately to Man United, even without European football,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
Xavi’s clear liking for United does not stop there. Back in October 2024, when Erik ten Hag’s job was on the line, his wife posted a photo to Instagram of their son, Dan, wearing a United kit.
Xavi full of admiration for Fernandes
While Xavi was a player, United were a powerhouse club under Sir Alex Ferguson, so there is little doubt as to why the former midfielder understands the appeal of working at Old Trafford.
But at the same time, when discussing some of his favourite players to watch with The Athletic earlier this year, Xavi let slip that he clearly keeps a close eye on the current happenings at United, as he has a lot of admiration for club captain Fernandes.
“Pedri,” Xavi mentioned as one player he enjoys watching play. “He doesn’t lose the ball. He makes the best decisions each time when he has the ball. He always takes the best position.
“Frenkie [de Jong] is in a good moment, this guy Vitinha. I always focus on midfielders. Bruno Fernandes is another top-level player. He’s a warrior; his mentality is only to win. He has the talent and the passion.”
Xavi managed Barcelona during the Europa League round of 16 clash between the two clubs, when Ten Hag’s men defeated the Catalan side 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a winning goal from Antony.
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The Spaniard keeps a lot of memory from the second leg at Old Trafford. “Him [Fernandes], Rashford, Fred, Lisandro [Martínez] and Antony played so well when they played my Barca team,” Xavi continued.
“In the first half of the second half at Old Trafford, we controlled the game a little bit. But in the second half, they were amazing. They played with passion. Fernandes was against me during the game – passion.”
Midfield has been a significant issue during Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford, and would undoubtedly be a top-priority problem that Xavi would look to address. Combine this with the Spaniard’s understanding of how vital Academies are in football, and he could be a great fit at Old Trafford.
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