FC Barcelona Legend Xavi Makes Manchester United Manager’s Job Decision Reports SPORT
While it's possible that the top Premier League clubs might make another approach, FC Barcelona legend and ex-coach Xavi Hernandez has reportedly made a choice regarding the open managerial position at Manchester United, as per Catalan sources.
While it's possible that the Premier League powerhouses could make another move, FC Barcelona's iconic former player and coach, Xavi Hernandez, has reportedly decided against pursuing the vacant manager position at Manchester United. This information comes from Catalan media sources SPORT and Mundo Deportivo, which referred to unnamed insiders.
United let go of Erik ten Hag on Monday afternoon in Europe, following the team's 2-1 loss to West Ham over the weekend. This defeat put them in 14th place in the English Premier League, having only gathered 11 points after nine matches.
It appeared that the Dutch coach's fate had been sealed for a while, even though he led the team to two cup victories at Old Trafford. It felt more like a matter of "when" the INEOS group would part ways with him, rather than "if" it would happen.
As a result, the owners of United have been exploring potential replacements for a while, with Xavi being a top contender on their list.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, officials from the Red Devils traveled to Barcelona about ten days ago to discuss things with Xavi, but they couldn't persuade him to accept their proposal.
There are anticipations of a renewed major effort to sway the iconic playmaker, who, during his time at Barcelona, celebrated two Champions League victories against Manchester United in 2009 and 2011. However, both MD and SPORT report that Xavi has currently reached a firm decision.
After being dismissed by the president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, in May, Xavi promised to take a year off. This decision came after two and a half exhausting seasons managing the club he has always dreamed of coaching, a role now taken over by former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick.
This suggests that Xavi allegedly rejected an offer from Roma when they parted ways with their legendary midfielder Daniele De Rossi. According to the Catalan media, he has also declined an approach from Manchester United at this time.
In summary, Xavi plans to stick to his promise and take at least a year off from football to be with his family.
Additional possible contenders for the managerial position in Manchester are Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon, Thomas Frank from Brentford, and Edin Terzic, who is currently without a club. Terzic previously led Borussia Dortmund to last season's Champions League final, where they were defeated by Real Madrid at Wembley.
