United in contact with 45-yo manager over permanent role hours after Carrick’s win over City – report

The Michael Carrick era at Manchester United got off to an incredible start, as the Red Devils secured a 2-0 derby victory, courtesy of goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu. United outclassed the noisy neighbours on all fronts, handing Pep Guardiola his biggest xG defeat as a Manchester City boss.  Carrick achieved in his first game what Ruben Amorim could not in 14 months. As a result, many fans and pundits are getting carried away, urging United to consider him for the permanent job. However, the club’s hierarchy supposedly have different plans. Manchester United make move for Xavi According to Fichajes, Manchester United are planning a “radical overhaul”, moving away from “temporary solutions”. It is believed Carrick has made a positive impression, but INEOS prefer a more experienced figure to lead their project than the former Middlesbrough head coach. Accordingly, United have reportedly made contact with Xavi to offer him the permanent position. The Premier League giants are seeking a pragmatic manager capable of immediately steadying the ship, while also instilling a long-term identity. Xavi fits that brief perfectly, having impressed with his man-management and tactics during his managerial spell at Barcelona. The 45-year-old took over a giant club in disarray and turned them into league winners in 2023, claiming their first La Liga title in four years.  Tottenham Hotspur keen to hire Xavi However, the Spanish outlet claims United face competition from Tottenham Hotspur for Xavi’s signature. Thomas Frank is walking on a thin ice in North London, as Spurs sit 14th in the Premier League table after 22 games.  It is understood Spurs have also made an enquiry for Xavi, who is without a club after leaving Camp Nou in 2024. Early this season, Fabrizio Romano claimed that Xavi is “studying the Premier League” and “would go immediately to Man United.” Featured image Fran Santiago via Getty Images 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 Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!