Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge at Old Trafford

Manchester United is reportedly on the verge of making a managerial appointment that could send shockwaves through European football. Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge at Old Trafford, with negotiations between the two parties said to be at an advanced stage. Sources close to the discussions suggest that United’s hierarchy has been in talks with the Spanish tactician, who has been carefully considering his next move following his departure from the Camp Nou.

Xavi, widely regarded as one of the most intelligent football minds of his generation, has been linked with several top European clubs since leaving Barcelona. However, Manchester United’s project appears to have captured his attention the most. With the Red Devils struggling for consistency in recent seasons, the club’s owners see Xavi as the ideal figure to implement a long-term vision and bring back the style of play that made them a dominant force in English football.

Despite the excitement surrounding his potential arrival, Xavi is said to have laid down specific conditions before committing to the move. One of the key requirements is the signing of two Barcelona players who he believes will be instrumental in executing his tactical philosophy at Manchester United. While the names of these players have not been revealed, reports indicate that the combined transfer fee being discussed is in the region of €150 million.

This potential double swoop would be a major boost for Barcelona, who have been grappling with financial difficulties in recent years. The Catalan giants are keen to offload some high-profile players to ease their wage bill and facilitate new signings in the summer transfer window. If the deal goes through, it could provide Barcelona with much-needed financial relief and allow them to reinforce their squad in key areas.

One of the most significant decisions Xavi is expected to make upon his arrival at Manchester United is the future of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. The former Real Madrid star, who joined the club in 2022, has endured a difficult season and has struggled to replicate the form that once made him one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. Xavi reportedly does not see Casemiro as a vital part of his system and is prepared to let him leave the club.

United’s management is believed to be open to terminating Casemiro’s contract or finding a suitable buyer for him in the transfer market. The move would free up wages and create space for Xavi to bring in players who better align with his tactical vision. This could mark the beginning of a significant squad overhaul, with several other underperforming players also facing uncertain futures under the new regime.

If appointed, Xavi’s tenure at Manchester United could signify a drastic shift in the club’s playing style. Known for his dedication to positional play and intricate passing sequences, the former Barcelona manager is expected to emphasize control, pressing, and tactical discipline. This could mean a major departure from United’s current approach, which has often lacked consistency and clear identity in recent years.

The Premier League would also gain another elite managerial mind, further increasing the competitiveness of the English top flight. With Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, the arrival of Xavi would add another layer of tactical intrigue to the league. It would also rekindle his rivalry with Guardiola, his former mentor at Barcelona, making future Manchester derbies even more captivating.

For Barcelona, the departure of two key players to Manchester United would mark yet another major restructuring phase. The club has been focusing on youth development and strategic signings to stay competitive despite financial constraints. While losing valuable assets is never easy, the injection of €150 million into their coffers would allow them to explore reinforcements in crucial positions ahead of the new season.

United’s fanbase remains divided on whether Xavi is the right choice for the job. Some supporters believe his inexperience outside of Spain could be a stumbling block in adapting to the high-paced, physical nature of English football. Others, however, see his appointment as an opportunity to build a sustainable footballing philosophy that could define the club’s future for years to come.

Should Xavi take the reins at Manchester United, his first priority would be to instill discipline, tactical awareness, and a clear playing identity within the squad. This would likely require time and patience, as the transition from United’s current approach to Xavi’s preferred style of play would not happen overnight. The board will need to support him with adequate resources, ensuring he gets the players he desires to execute his vision.

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Manchester United’s movements in the market will be crucial in determining the success of this new project. If Xavi does arrive at Old Trafford, fans can expect an immediate impact in the way the team is structured, trained, and managed on matchdays.

While there are still hurdles to overcome before an official announcement is made, the fact that discussions have reached an advanced stage suggests that Manchester United’s ownership is serious about making Xavi their next manager. The coming weeks will be decisive, as negotiations over personal terms, backroom staff appointments, and transfer plans continue to unfold.

As football enthusiasts eagerly await further developments, one thing is certain: if Xavi takes charge of Manchester United, it will mark the beginning of a fascinating new era for one of the biggest clubs in world football. Whether he succeeds in restoring them to their former glory remains to be seen, but his potential arrival alone has already sparked excitement and debate across the footballing landscape.