Man Utd make Xavi contact despite fresh Barcelona accusation

Tom Weber

Updated: 30 May 2024 11:16 CDT
4 min read

Manchester United have made contact with Xavi, according to Spanish media.

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The Spaniard is currently out of a job after his somewhat surprising sacking by Barcelona. It was surprising in the sense that just a few weeks earlier, the club had managed to convince the former midfielder to change his mind about departing at the end of the season.

However, his comments claiming that cash-strapped Barcelona won't be able to compete with Real Madrid next season and his refusal to use January recruit Vitor Roque, leading to public outcry from his agent, ultimately led to president Joan Laporta giving him the boot.

Moreover, it is now being claimed that Xavi also refused to hand highly-rated Senegal defender Mika Faye his much-anticipated first-team debut despite him already starring for his senior national team, causing disappointment among the Barca hierarchy.

One of the reasons behind Xavi originally announcing his decision to leave Catalunya in January was the pressure that came with the Barcelona job. As a result, it has been assumed that the 44-year-old would now take a one-year sabbatical. However, he has no shortage of suitors, including in the Premier League.

Xavi to Man Utd?

Indeed, AS claims that Man Utd have made a tentative approach for the Barcelona legend to test the waters regarding his availability and willingness to work in England.

Man Utd are still in the process of making a final decision on Erik ten Hag's future, with the solid end to the season and FA Cup triumph complicating matters, but it is nevertheless thought that the Dutchman won't be at Old Trafford come July.

In recent days and weeks, Xavi has rejected offers from AC Milan, the South Korean FA and, earlier in the year, Ajax. Man Utd, reports the Spanish outlet, received the same answer as those other clubs - the ex-Barca boss wants to step away from the game for a while to recharge.

In fact, given the intense scrutiny Man Utd coaches are under, it would be a massive surprise to see Xavi in the Old Trafford dugout anytime soon.