Questions are rife as to who might succeed Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, and Xavi could be the answer after previously hinting at an interest in the Premier League.
United confirmed Ten Hag's dismissal following Sunday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham, extending the club's poorest start to a season with only three wins in nine league games. Club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has been elevated to the position of interim manager for the time being, but the club will be desperate to decide on a more permanent solution soon.
Many fans may be intrigued by the idea of Xavi stepping into the hot seat at Old Trafford after he broke United hearts on multiple occasions as a player. The Catalan was a prominent member of the Barcelona teams that defeated United in both the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals, captaining his side to success in the latter.
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Speaking to The Times (via the Daily Express) in 2021 about the prospect of managing in England, Xavi said: "So why not? I could see myself [managing] in England, definitely. It's one of the things I'd like to experience in my career."
It was only a few months ago that United decided to stick with Ten Hag as coach after he won the FA Cup last season. However, his third campaign as coach never really looked like taking off as the Red Devils have struggled to generate momentum on multiple fronts.
Xavi found himself in a similar predicament towards the end of his tenure in Catalonia. The former Spanish midfield maestro guided Barcelona to La Liga victory in 2023 but was dismissed at the end of last season
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