Manchester United have been advised that any serious attempt to appoint Xavi Hernandez as their next permanent manager must be built around a clear and convincing long-term project.
The former Barcelona coach is understood to be open to a return to management, but only if the sporting vision aligns with his footballing philosophy.
United are currently in transition after dismissing Ruben Amorim last week following a disappointing run of results.
Darren Fletcher has been placed in interim charge and has already overseen fixtures against Burnley and Brighton across domestic competitions.
The club is expected to confirm an interim head coach to take charge for the remainder of the season ahead of next weekend’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Interim Options And Short-Term Stability
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick have emerged as leading candidates for the caretaker role.
Fletcher has also remained in contention after guiding the squad through the immediate aftermath of Amorim’s departure.
United’s hierarchy is keen to stabilise performances while a more comprehensive search for a permanent manager continues behind the scenes.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are expected to lead the process once the interim situation is resolved.
Attention is already turning toward appointing a long-term head coach ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Xavi Emerges As A Standout Candidate
Xavi is among the most high-profile managers currently available after leaving Barcelona in 2024.
The former Spain international enjoyed major success both as a player and coach at Camp Nou.
As manager, he guided Barcelona to the La Liga title in the 2022/23 season and lifted the Spanish Supercopa the following year.
His reputation as a coach committed to structured possession football and tactical discipline has made him an attractive option for elite clubs.
United’s interest is still at an early stage, but his name has already been discussed as a possible long-term appointment.
Mendieta Explains What Xavi Would Demand
Gaizka Mendieta, who played alongside Xavi for Spain and Barcelona, has outlined what United would need to offer to make the move realistic.
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, 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.”
More Than Just The Manchester United Name
Mendieta stressed that reputation alone would not be enough to convince the former midfielder.
“It’s something that he needs to be excited about,” he said.
“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.”
Those comments underline the importance of long-term planning, recruitment strategy, and boardroom alignment.
Xavi’s Own Words Support The View
Reports from Spain have suggested Xavi would be interested in a move to Old Trafford under the right circumstances.
His own comments from last year appear to reinforce Mendieta’s assessment.
“Of course? Where, I don’t know,” Xavi said when asked about managing in England.
“There’s no hurry for me, but I’d like a good project.”
“Like, ‘You have four years to work and make a project.’”
Premier League Appeal Remains Strong
Xavi has previously spoken about his admiration for English football culture.
“I’d love to work in the Premier League because I love the passion there,” he said.
“In Spain, it’s too much about the result.”
He also admitted that international management remains an ambition for the future.
“Or a national team, that would appeal,” he added.
“When I dreamed about being a coach, I dreamed about being in a World Cup or European Championship.”
For Manchester United, the message appears clear.
If Xavi is to be persuaded, it will require more than prestige.
It will demand patience, backing, and a project he truly believes in.
