The 9-time champion coach has been reported as a potential new manager of Manchester United, succeeding Ruben Amorim who was recently dismissed.
On 5 Jan 2026 GMT+7, following the announcement that Premier League giant Manchester United fired Ruben Amorim due to internal disagreements within the club, ending his 14-month tenure.
Recently, Spanish media outlet Fichajes reported that Xavi Hernandez, former Barcelona coach, has drawn interest from Manchester United. The club is preparing an initial offer to approach Xavi as their new manager.
Xavi has been unemployed since Barcelona dismissed him as coach in 2024. He has been continuously studying Premier League football and is open to moving to Manchester United, despite the club not qualifying for European competitions.
The Spanish coach employs a 4-3-3 formation focusing on ball possession, smooth and precise passing, and building attacks from the back. Previously, Manchester United’s football director Jason Wilcox wanted Ruben Amorim to switch to a four-defender system, but Amorim insisted on a three-defender formation and used the four-defender setup only a few times before his dismissal.
Spanish media added that Xavi’s profile fits the club’s vision of building a team with a distinctive style of play. They believe a four-defender system under Xavi will help Manchester United return to top form on the pitch.
Xavi’s championship profile as a coach includes:
Al-Sadd
- Qatar Stars League: 2020–21
- Qatar Cup: 2020, 2021 (2 titles)
- Sheikh Jassim Cup: 2019
- Emir of Qatar Cup: 2020, 2021 (2 titles)
- Qatari Stars Cup: 2019–20
Barcelona
- La Liga: 2022–23
- Supercopa de España: 2023