United told what it will take to land in-demand manager for permanent role

Manchester United are back to square one after sacking Ruben Amorim earlier this month. The Portuguese head coach, who replaced Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford in November 2024, lasted only 14 months on the hot seat, departing with a win ratio of just 38.10%. The Red Devils are now looking for a caretaker manager to take charge for the rest of the season. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that Michael Carrick is the favourite for the job. Meanwhile, the Premier League giants are expected to continue their search for the Portuguese’s permanent replacement. Several candidates have been named as options, including former Barcelona manager Xavi. Xavi’s managerial record so far Xavi enjoyed tremendous success with the Catalans during his playing days, before seeing out the final years of his career in the Middle East with Al Sadd. After hanging up his boots, the Spaniard took charge of the Qatar-based club and helped them lift multiple trophies. Such was his impact that Barcelona turned to their former player after parting ways with Ronald Koeman in November 2021. Xavi spent two and a half seasons at Camp Nou, winning the LaLiga title and the Supercopa de Espana, before leaving in May 2024. Xavi Managerial Stats TeamFromToGames PlayedGames WonGames DrawnGames LostWin % Al Sadd28 May 20196 November 202110267171865.69 Barcelona6 November 202127 May 202414289242962.68 Total——244156414763.93 Source: Wikipedia. The Spaniard has displayed a preference for free-flowing, attacking football during his managerial career. Xavi has also invested in youth; he famously promoted Lamine Yamal to the senior side during his time at Camp Nou. His tactical acumen and trust in youth make the Spaniard an appealing option for United. Former Valencia midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has now outlined what the Red Devils have to do to convince Xavi to take charge at Old Trafford. United have to present a well-planned project Speaking to Boyle Sport, as cited by the Mirror, Mendieta said: “Xavi would definitely understand what a club like Manchester United needs in terms of the history and how the fans demand trophies.” “I think that’s probably in line with Barca when he joined them. Knowing Xavi, I think what would be a priority though, is the project. It’s a huge club, but he will need to see something that makes him really want to do it.” “It’s something that he needs to be excited about. He wouldn’t join just because it’s United, but because there’s a project behind it. It needs to be a project that aligns with his idea of the football that he wants to put in place.” “He would not go just for the sake of being Man Utd manager, he would need to be given the tools he needs to play his type of football.” Final Thoughts United would ideally need a manager who can deliver a good combination of immediate success and long-term vision. Xavi has the experience of managing a top club and also has the trophy-winning pedigree to match. The Spaniard will have a point to prove after being unceremoniously removed from his position at Barcelona. Meanwhile, the chance to inspire the Red Devils back to the top could tempt him as well. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.