Manchester United have reportedly identified former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández as their top target to succeed Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed on Monday following a breakdown in relations with the club’s sporting hierarchy.
Amorim’s exit is understood to stem from prolonged internal tensions with the club’s sporting leadership, with disagreements over key strategic and footballing decisions ultimately making his position untenable. In the wake of his departure, Xavi has emerged as a leading candidate.
According to Fichajes, United board believe the former Barcelona coach fits the profile required to revitalise the team in the Premier League, particularly in terms of restoring structure, identity and authority to a squad that has endured repeated tactical and managerial shifts.
Xavi has rejected approaches from several major clubs in recent months, preferring to wait for a project offering sporting autonomy, institutional backing and long-term clarity.
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Manchester United are seen to meet many of those criteria, with a talented squad, significant financial muscle and an urgent need for a clearly defined playing philosophy.
At Old Trafford, there is confidence that Xavi could bring order and leadership, as well as manage the intense media scrutiny that accompanies a high-profile role—an environment he is familiar with from his time at Barcelona.
Amorim’s direct clashes with the sporting director, coupled with inconsistent results and a perceived lack of tactical cohesion, proved decisive in his departure.
United are now seeking a figure capable of imposing authority from the outset, with Xavi viewed as both an immediate solution and a medium-term project.
Manchester United are confident that discussions with the Catalan coach will progress in the coming days as they move swiftly to appoint a new manager.
