Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is in talks with Manchester United and would like to try himself in the Premier League, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
Michael Carrick is making a serious case to win the permanent manager’s spot at Old Trafford after securing Champions League qualification with last weekend’s dramatic win over Liverpool.
The former Red Devils midfielder has now beaten Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham despite only taking over as head coach in January.
Manager Matheus Cunha believes Carrick deserves to stay and Sunday’s opener revealed the manager has been “great” for his players.
“Yeah, yeah, to be honest, I don’t think it’s necessary to say it.
“I don’t think it’s in my hands. But what he’s done is he’s got a lot of confidence in the group and, you know, I’ve been sitting on the bench with him too, and the way he teaches everyone is amazing.”
“I think he did some magical things like he did in Ferguson and then he comes to us and tells us how it was.
“And, yeah, it’s been a pleasure to be a part of everything he’s done, and of course I think he deserves it.”
But if INEOS are not convinced, there are still other options on the table and perhaps the memory of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will give them reason to pause.
The Norwegian performed well in his interim role, winning 14 of 19 games before signing a three-year deal, but was ultimately replaced by Ralf Rangnick, who scored 17 goals after 12 games in 2021/22.
Fabrizio Romano shares Manchester United offer with Xavi
Manager Fabrizio Romano has revealed that negotiations have taken place in recent months to “offer” Xavi to United.
“I can also reveal that Xavi has been offered Manchester United as an option for the job since January.
“However, Manchester United have confirmed Michael Carrick as interim manager – and now there is a huge chance for Michael Carrick to remain at the club.
“Xavi wants to be in the Premier League.”
Romano praised the former Barcelona player and manager as a “top” manager, and his performance at the La Liga club was impressive, averaging more than two points per game and winning the league title in his second year in charge.
Barça president Joan Laporta has gone so far as to claim that the 46-year-old is the “best manager in the world”, and United’s director of football Jason Wilcox is set to carry out a thorough search for Amorim’s long-term replacement, and it will be interesting to see if the Spaniard joins his thoughts.
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