‘He won the league’: Man United urged to hire Xavi as their new manager

Manchester United’s hierarchy have a big decision to make after sacking manager Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils confirmed earlier today that the Dutchman has left his role, and Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim boss.

Multiple names have been linked to replacing Ten Hag, but Jamie Carragher says United should appoint former Barcelona manager Xavi.

The former Liverpool defender told Sky Sports: “It looks like they’re talking to Xavi, from Barcelona. He was one of my favourite players – I think he’s the best Spanish player of all time.

“He’s managed Barcelona – he was seen as the next Pep (Guardiola). Even as a player, they thought he’d be a great manager. He lost his job but still won La Liga against a (Carlo) Ancelotti-managed Real Madrid.

“Yes he’s out of work at the moment, which makes it easier. There’s a link between someone on the board and Xavi – there have been some reports there’s been talks in the last few days.

“I’m not sure what Man Utd can do right now. I don’t think the fans would buy Gareth Southgate, but I don’t think Xavi would be a bad appointment.

“He’s got huge status as a player. That doesn’t make you a great manager, but it does give you instant respect on the training pitch.

“There’s no one in that dressing room who has won more than him, and he has been a manager of a huge football club and had success. He’s won a league and a cup against Ancelotti. He’s not got a bad CV.”

Xavi could be the new Man United manager

Xavi has emerged as a strong candidate for United. He is a free agent after leaving Barcelona in May.

The Spaniard led the La Liga giants to their first league triumph since 2018/19.

He also won the Spanish Super Cup but could not maintain the positive momentum last season.

Managing United would be a huge project for Xavi, maybe even bigger than Barcelona given the media scrutiny.

As Carragher pointed out, the 44-year-old is one of the most popular and successful names in football.

He is highly respected and would be looked up to in the United dressing room.

Recent United managers have faced second-season syndrome at Old Trafford. Xavi experienced the same at Barcelona.

Ruben Amorim, Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate and Thomas Frank have also been linked with United.