Barcelona boss Xavi speaks on possible Qatari-led takeover of Man United

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 22 Feb 2023 19:57 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona manager Xavi thinks a Qatari-led takeover of Manchester United would be a 'good option' for the club despite criticism of the state's regime.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is the chairman of one of Qatar’s biggest banks, confirmed last week that he had launched a takeover bid on the Premier League giants.

In a statement, he said the move would be 'debt free' and ensure that the club made a return ‘to its former glories'.

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Given the human rights issues in the state, the bid has been scrutinised by some quarters.

Xavi was asked about the possible takeover ahead of his side’s encounter with the Red Devils at Old Trafford for the clubs’ second-leg knockout contest of the Europa League round of 16 tie.

"I have a good relationship with the Sheikh. He is a serious, responsible person and I think he would do a good job," Xavi said. "I know him well. He’s a very good person and I think he would be a very good option for United. I worked in Qatar for six years.”

Xavi, whose first job in management was with Al Sadd in Qatar, also spoke about the game in question and how Barcelona would approach it.

Xavi's tactics for Man Utd

The Blaugrana and the Red Devils finished 2-2 in the first leg, meaning it’s all to play for in the return fixture.

"Mentality, rhythm, passion, they showed it at Camp Nou and we have to match them. The fans will pressure us a lot. We have to have personality and a lot of intensity, as well as the mentality of beating a big team in Europe. It's the perfect scenery."

"I have decided, but the idea does not change," he said. "We have to occupy the spaces, we are a very offensive team. [We have to ] understand the game."

"All scenarios are possible," Xavi noted of a tie where away goals no longer count. "Extra time, penalties, our idea will not vary much. Attack, be protagonists, pressure them. [Make sure] that they don't feel comfortable. They put passion into the Camp Nou [game] and we have to match it."