Manchester United have been advised that luring former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez hinges on presenting a compelling project that aligns with his tactical vision, according to his former Spain and Barcelona teammate Gaizka Mendieta.
United dismissed Ruben Amorim last week and appointed Darren Fletcher as interim boss, with an announcement on a caretaker manager expected before next Saturday's Manchester derby. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was leading the race, but Michael Carrick is now the front-runner.
Mendieta told Boyle Sports: 'Xavi would definitely understand what a club like Manchester United needs... but it is the project that would be a priority. He would not join just for the sake of being Man Utd manager; he would need a project that aligns with his idea of football.'
Xavi himself last year expressed openness to managing in the Premier League, saying: 'I'd like a good project... like, “You have four years to work and make a project.” I'd love to work in the Premier League because of the passion.'
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are expected to focus on appointing a permanent manager for the 2026/27 season, with Xavi among the few globally recognised coaches currently unemployed.
