Xavi has been linked with the Manchester United job as Ruben Amorim continues to come under pressure at Old Trafford – and Gaizka Mendieta has had his say on the situation.
Ex-Middlesbrough player Gaizka Mendieta reckons Xavi would replace Ruben Amorim at Manchester United if he thought their project was the right one. Amorim faces mounting pressure following United’s underwhelming start to the season.
However, he appears to enjoy the backing of United’s hierarchy – for now – with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently declaring his desire to grant the Portuguese manager more time. Amorim has won just 37 points from a possible 102 in Premier League matches since his appointment.
Following the club’s humiliating loss to League Two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup last month, United’s senior officials had to intervene and confirm his status. One potential replacement mooted is former Barcelona player and, more recently, head coach, Xavi.
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Now, Mendieta, who featured alongside Xavi for Spain, has expressed his belief that the managing United may appeal to the 2010 World Cup winner. “I think if it’s the right project, he will be tempted,” he said, via OLBG.
“Who doesn’t want to coach in the Premier League? Who would not want to coach Manchester United, even if it’s in a difficult time?
“He won trophies at Barca during a very peculiar period of history of the club – and he changed that. Of course, he doesn’t know Manchester United as he knows Barca, but he’s been there, and he knows that he’s capable of doing those things.
“So if the project seems right to him, I’m sure he will take it. He’s been preparing himself already, waiting for the chance to come.
“I know he’s had a few options to go and coach, but it wasn’t the right project. I think for a coach like him, it’s the project that matters, not only the history and the club.
“A lot of people were hesitant about his move to Barca – because he had only been in Qatar. People thought he wasn’t ready, then he won the league and the Super Cup in his first season.
“I think football has changed a lot. The coaches and players tend to adapt.
“It’s at an incredibly high level, and it’s a lot faster because people are more prepared. There are more tools out there for coaches to gain an understanding, knowing what’s happening at other clubs and with other players.
“He has his own platforms to understand and analyse situations. So wherever he goes, which could be Man Utd, then he’ll be prepared for the job he takes for sure.”
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