Negotiations underway: Manchester United has approached a skilled coach in hopes of appointing him as their permanent manager, but one Premier League club is also competing.
On 19 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Spanish media outlet Fichajes reported that Manchester United, the Premier League giant, has directly contacted Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona manager, as they look for a permanent head coach this summer.
Although Michael Carrick impressed in his debut as interim manager by leading Manchester United to a 2-0 comeback win over Manchester City, sources reveal that the "Red Devils" want a more experienced coach. Xavi Hernandez previously led Barcelona to one La Liga title and one Copa del Rey championship.
Fichajes stated that Manchester United believes Xavi Hernandez can bring stability and a clear structure to the club. He has been unemployed since parting ways with Barcelona in May 2024, and negotiations have already taken place.
However, sources also mention that Tottenham Hotspur, another Premier League rival, is interested in appointing Xavi Hernandez as their new manager if they decide to dismiss Thomas Frank after disappointing performances that left the team 14th in the league.
The report adds that Xavi's future will be decided in the coming months, with the Premier League offering an attractive opportunity for him to prove himself as a top football manager.
