Man Utd are reportedly eyeing Xavi. (Image: Getty)
Xavi has entered the running to become Manchester United manager if INEOS decide to sack Erik ten Hag after contact was made with the former Barcelona FC boss, according to reports. Ten Hag remains under serious pressure despite Saturday’s 2-1 win against Brentford at Old Trafford.
And Xavi appears to be in the frame if he fails to improve United’s fortunes on the pitch, having just four wins in 12 matches this season.
Express Sport runs through an, admittedly, fantasy line-up if the Catalan coach does eventually replace Ten Hag as United manager.
Xavi’s potential Man Utd XI (4-3-3)
GK: Andre Onana
Andre Onana endured a shaky start to life at United but he has started to look like a £47million goalkeeper.
He has the makings of the club’s long-term No. 1 (or No. 24) and would suit Xavi’s possession-based game.
RB: Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot has exploded in recent years, cementing himself as United’s first-choice right-back.
He only turns 26 next March and was a reported Barcelona target during Xavi’s tenure.
CB: Leny Yoro
Leny Yoro has yet to make his United debut due to injury, but he will soon have the opportunity to authenticate his reputation as one of the world’s brightest defensive prospects.
Any incoming coach would marvel at the opportunity to develop the 18-year-old.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt
Like Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt was also reportedly a Xavi target before leaving Bayern Munich for United in the summer.
That said, Lisandro Martinez would likely be an equally attractive player to inherit for his qualities on the ball.
Xavi is a huge admirer of Martin Zubimendi. (Image: Getty)
LB: Alejandro Balde
United need a new left-back. Luke Shaw is an injury liability and Tyrell Malacia – equally troubled fitness-wise – wasn’t signed as a starter.
Alejandro Balde shone after Xavi oversaw his breakthrough at Barcelona. It would take a substantial offer for the La Liga giants to sell, though.
How deep are your pockets, Sir Jim Ratcliffe?
CM: Joshua Kimmich
We can mark this in the unrealistic column, especially if there’s no Champions League football on offer, but Xavi’s interest in Joshua Kimmich is reportedly very real.
He was believed to be eyeing Kimmich before his surprise Barcelona exit. The Bayern Munich midfielder’s contract expires next summer.
CM: Martin Zubimendi
Another of the iconic Spanish midfielder’s top targets at the Nou Camp was… a Spanish midfielder. And a quality one.
Liverpool pushed hard for Martin Zubimendi’s signature in the summer to no avail. Xavi would probably have an ever tougher job luring him away from Real Sociedad.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
It’s no secret that Kobbie Mainoo is the player INEOS want to build their project around. The 19-year-old maestro is surely a player Xavi would surely love.
Notice a rather big exclusion? Despite his new contract, I think it’s fair to say Bruno Fernandes’ United future is far from certain.
RW: Alejandro Garnacho
Similarly to Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho is the Red Devils’ present and future.
The 20-year-old winger is effective on either wing and already has eight goal contributions to his name this season.
LW: Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford was one of three players Xavi hailed when his Barcelona faced United in the 2022/23 Europa League. Raphael Varane (gone) and Casemiro (likely going) were the others.
The No. 10 is rediscovering his mojo by the week and could soon work under his seventh manager – interim or permanent.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund
United invested £72m in Rasmus Hojlund for the future more than anything last year. That hasn’t changed.
He was Ten Hag’s top goalscorer in his maiden season, though, and is now donning the No. 9 shirt with confidence.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1965796/Man-Utd-news-Xavi-Liverpool-transfers