It is said that Monday’s away meeting at Molineux Stadium with a Wolverhampton team at the bottom of the Premier League is Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim’s game of destiny.
Wolverhampton have only 2 points so far in the season and according to all experts are already lost, but they have got back their Norwegian star striker Jørgen Strand Larsen and newly appointed manager Rob Edwards has already managed to gather the troops for “operation survival”.
Read: Jørgen Strand Larsen will first save Wolverhampton again, then talk about Newcastle
A loss on Monday for this season’s worst team by far could open the door to Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandes who, according to a gathered Spanish press corps, is tripping and waiting for a phone call from a Premier League club and preferably Manchester United.
Manchester United consider “the world’s best manager”
Supporters booed Manchester United after the 1-1 draw with West Ham on Thursday night, a brutal reflection of frustration over the team’s weak and inconsistent performances under Ruben Amorim this season.
Although Amorim is unlikely to lose his job immediately, and the club still officially supports him despite a miserable start to the season, time is ticking for the coach. His lack of ability to create a stable winning streak or dominate opponents has put serious question marks over his future.
According to Spanish online newspaper Fichajes, United are now seriously considering a bold move: signing former Barcelona coach and player giant Xavi Hernández. Already in October, other sources reported that the legend is “waiting” for a phone call from Old Trafford.
Xavi, who has reportedly turned down several lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League after leaving Barcelona in the summer of 2024, is reportedly willing to take over immediately if United sack Amorim.
Read on Popidol: “No Taylor Swift music during Chiefs games” – this is how the club explains it
United must act fast – Xavi is the ideal candidate
The only logical conclusion is that United must do everything possible to secure Xavi before a competitor strikes. He is available without a transfer fee and could be in place within a few hours if the club make the final part with Amorim.
Interestingly, reputable sources, such as Fabrizio Romano, have previously revealed that Xavi is open to a possible adventure in the Premier League. He follows English football closely and seems to be mentally prepared for a new challenge.
For United, it’s all about success – and that’s exactly where Xavi fits perfectly. His track record as a coach will be enviable to most; already in his first full season (2022/23), he delivered both the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup to Camp Nou.
As a player, his CV is even more gaudy: A key architect in both Barcelona’s and Spain’s historic periods of success. With four Champions League victories, eight Spanish championships, and triumphs in both the European Championships and the World Cup, Xavi has helped define an era. He knows at a cellular level what it takes to win trophies and lead a team to the top – something United have missed so badly since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. It is precisely this winning mentality and tactical understanding that the club so desperately needs to regain its lost identity.
Key statistics: As Barcelona coach, Xavi led the team in 142 games, with a win percentage of over 62% (89 wins, 24 draws, 29 losses).
Youth focus and attacking football – a perfect match of philosophy
Unlike Amorim, Xavi has a clear and proven focus on developing and trusting young talent. When United’s current manager recently gave a vague reason for leaving out the big talent Kobbie Mainoo, it only created more distrust. Xavi, on the other hand, is the man who gave 15-year-old Lamine Yamal his debut for Barcelona’s first team – a clear proof that he has the courage and vision to invest in youth.
United’s academy is a cornerstone of the club’s history, and with Xavi, these talents would have a coach who will actually use them, not slow them down.
Furthermore, he would implement an attractive and dominant style of play, with ball possession, movement and dangerous wingers at the centre. Simply placing United’s existing attacking quality in the right positions – rather than using players outside of their natural roles – could revolutionise the team’s attacking play and cause a frustrated crowd to cheer again.
Xavi has already shown his admiration for United
From previous statements, it is clear that Xavi would consider a job at Manchester United a great honour.
According to ESPN, the world champion has even called “The Red Devils” his favorite club in England:
The interest from Xavi’s side is thus clear. Now it’s up to United’s management to show decisiveness. If they don’t dare to take the chance, they risk wasting another season and letting a unique opportunity to revive the club disappear.
Read on Time People World: Former Manchester United player Jesse Lingard is on the move – again
