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Man Utd chiefs now expecting manager talks to advance for Xavi Hernandez
Manchester United are now reportedly expecting negotiations to advance to hire one of their managerial candidates to replace Ruben Amorim.
Man Utd set managerial timeline
Despite his constant struggles at Old Trafford, it always seemed unlikely that Man United would rush into any decision around Amorim. He very much looked to be their man. But that’s when everything imploded between the 40-year-old and Director of Football Jason Wilcox, who asked Amorim to change his system.
This reportedly left the manager unhappy, who felt like he wasn’t being backed by the Old Trafford hierarchy and from there his exit was inevitable.
Now, the Red Devils find themselves back to square one and have already set a reported timeline for when their next manager could arrive, having appointed Darren Fletcher on an interim basis.
If INEOS do wait until the summer to make their decision, then that’s when the likes of Oliver Glasner and Kieran McKenna could become serious options.
The former is set to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season when his contract comes to an end, unless there are any last-ditch changes, and Man United could make their move.
Glasner may well go down as the best manager in Crystal Palace history by the time next summer arrives, having won the FA Cup and qualified for the Europa Conference League last season, but a big move could be waiting for him.
However, the Austrian isn’t the only option. According to reports in Spain, Man United are now expecting negotiations to advance with Xavi Hernandez.
Man Utd expecting negotiations to advance with Xavi
The Barcelona legend has been out of a job since leaving the Spanish club in 2024. Although he hasn’t been without offers, the 45-year-old has simply been waiting for the right opportunity to emerge and the Man United job could be exactly that.
Whilst his time at Barcelona ended on a difficult note, it’s worth remembering that Xavi won La Liga during a turbulent time at the Nou Camp and introduced several key academy stars, including Lamine Yamal.
Amorim, by some contrast, often took aim at academy stars and arguably halted the progress of impressive midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. If anyone was to benefit from the arrival of Xavi, it would be the Carrington graduate.
Another issue with Amorim was his system. His 3-4-2-1 system split opinion at Old Trafford, but that’s where Xavi could thrive. The Spaniard would instantly change to a 4-3-3 attacking formation and bring entertainment back to the club.
There’s no denying that it would be a bold step, of course. Alas, it would far from be Xavi’s first rodeo. The former midfielder rode the wave of chaos at Barcelona and could do the same at Man United.
