Could Xavi be next Manchester United coach?

There are widespread speculations that former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández could be convinced to become the new coach of Manchester United.

Xavi, the former Spain international and coach of Barcelona, has been contacted by the Reds to fill the position left vacant by Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed on Monday, October 28. In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy has been named interim coach while the club searches for a long-term successor. Hernández’s name has come up as one of the candidates being considered by Manchester for the role.

Xavi's Time In Barcelona Took Its Toll

However, there's a catch: Xavi's demanding time at Barcelona left a significant impact on him. Despite achieving success with the team, he faced immense pressure due to the severe financial struggles at the club. As a result, he announced in early 2024 that he would be stepping away for a year and would not be considering any job offers until 2025. On Monday, the 28th, he reiterated his commitment to prioritizing family time. Yet, who could turn down the chance to manage one of the best clubs in the world?

Manchester United parted ways with Erik ten Hag after the team's crushing loss to West Ham, which positioned them at 14th in the Premier League standings. This development burdened Red Devils supporters with more unsettling news about the club.

There had been discussions about the potential for Xavi to take on the role of coach for Qatar, the nation where he finished his playing career and started his coaching journey. A news outlet from Qatar reported that the coach was present in the country and might take over from the Catalan coach, Félix Sánchez.

At the moment, William Hill has Xavi's betting odds at 7/2, while Gareth Southgate sits at 6/1. The decision now lies with Xavi.