Liam Duckstein
Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández is reportedly ‘waiting’ for the Manchester United job after turning down offers from Saudi Pro League clubs, according to CaughtOffside. The Spanish tactician is said to be open to taking over at Old Trafford should Ruben Amorim depart later this season.
Amorim Still Backed — For Now
Despite United’s rocky start, club chiefs remain publicly supportive of Amorim. The Portuguese coach guided United to a 2-0 win over Sunderland last weekend, their third victory in seven league games, but questions remain after an early EFL Cup exit to Grimsby Town and a poor Europa League campaign last term.
Amorim’s 15th-place finish last season was the club’s worst in Premier League history, missing out on European football for the first time in over a decade. While he’s safe for now, the pressure is mounting.
Xavi Keeping an Eye on Old Trafford
According to GIVEMESPORT correspondent Fabrizio Romano, Xavi has long been interested in managing in England and views the Premier League as a key part of his coaching ambitions. The 2010 World Cup winner is reportedly willing to take the United role mid-season, even without European football on offer.
Xavi left Barcelona in May 2024 after three years in charge, during which he won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup in 2022/23. Despite his success, he was dismissed a year before his contract expired — a decision that came just weeks after he had agreed to stay on following persuasion from club president Joan Laporta.
Laporta: “The Best Coach in the World”
Laporta once hailed Xavi as “the best coach in the world”, a reflection of the Catalan icon’s deep understanding of Barça’s footballing DNA. As a player, Xavi won four Champions Leagues, eight La Liga titles, and major honours with Spain — including the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008 and 2012.
What It Means for United
United head into the international break sitting 10th in the Premier League. When the league resumes, Amorim’s men face a daunting trip to Anfield — a game that could define his future. Victory there might steady the ship, but defeat would only intensify the speculation surrounding Xavi’s potential arrival.
Xavi may be waiting in the wings, but for now, the spotlight is firmly on Amorim — and his ability to deliver results when United need them most.