Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a top-class manager would say yes to replacing Ruben Amorim as Manchester United head coach if the opportunity presented itself.
Amorim, 40, is yet to string together consecutive victories as United boss, having succeeded Erik ten Hag in the autumn of 2024.
The Portuguese’s misery was compounded by his side’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, leaving the Red Devils 14th in the Premier League after six games.
After the match, Amorim insisted he was not concerned about his position despite reports suggesting that a three-man shortlist - consisting of former England boss Gareth Southgate, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola – had been put together by the club.
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However, contrary reports from BBC Sport’s Simon Stone suggest that United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is “backing Amorim” and “feels only fair to judge him on a full season”.
Meanwhile, Romano has added yet more fuel to rumours that Amorim could be relieved of duties.
The Italian journalist claimed that former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández would “go immediately to Manchester United” even without European football, before claiming the Spaniard would “love” an opportunity to manage in the Premier League - although there are no concrete talks about a potential arrival in England.
The 45-year-old has been without a managerial role since departing Barca in 2024. During his time as head coach of the Catalan side, he handed Lamine Yamal his debut and guided Barca to the 2022/23 La Liga title.
Fans were quick to react to Romano’s reports on social media.
One said: “Out of all the names, I don't mind Xavi... The sole reason being that he is a midfielder, he would know how poor our midfield is and would demand midfielders.”
Another added: “If Xavi had the same opportunity and backing as Amorim so far, Man U would’ve been a way better team.”
A third claimed: “Xavi would turn Kobbie Mainoo into prime Iniesta. BRING HIM IN NOW.”
And the ex-Barca midfielder enjoyed two of his greatest nights as a player against United in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals, with the La Liga outfit beating Sir Alex Ferguson’s United in Rome and London.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Xavi described the Premier League as “pure football” before describing how he “loved to play at Anfield or Old Trafford” due to the atmosphere.
When asked about a potential return to management, he said: “There’s no hurry for me, but I’d like a good project. Like, ‘You have four years to work and make a project’. I’d love to work in the Premier League because I love the passion there. In Spain, it’s too much about the result.
“Look what has happened to Ancelotti and people criticising him. It’s not fair.”
Topics: Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, Premier League, Football, Fabrizio Romano
Luke Davies