Xavi Hernandez is the latest name to be linked with taking the reins at Manchester United in the event of Ruben Amorim being sacked as pressure continues to mount on the Portuguese tactician
Ruben Amorim looks dejected
Under-pressure Ruben Amorim has struggled to get his Manchester United team firing this season
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Xavi Hernandez would be "tempted" to take the Manchester United job if Ruben Amorim is dismissed, according to Gaizka Mendieta.
Amorim has faced a turbulent tenure at Old Trafford after assuming his managerial position in November following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. The 40-year-old was only able to muster a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last term and things this season haven't gotten off to a bright start either.
United have won just two of their six Premier League games so far, putting Amorim under intense scrutiny and pressure. It has led to speculation around his future, with a number of managers already being linked with replacing him. Xavi's name has now been thrown into the hat by ex-Premier League star Mendieta.
Xavi, who won eight La Liga titles with Barcelona as a player before clinching another as a manager, has been out of a job since being replaced at the Camp Nou by Hansi Flick last May. And while he only has five years under his belt in the managerial game, former club and country team-mate Mendieta believes he would jump at the chance of restoring glory to United.
Speaking to OLGB, the Valencia and Middlesbrough legend said of Xavi: "I think if it's the right project, he will be tempted. 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, 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 in his move to Barca because he had only been in Qatar.
Xavi would supposedly 'jump' at the chance to replace Amorim should he depart United
Xavi would supposedly 'jump' at the chance to replace Amorim should he depart United
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"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's 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 analyze situations. So wherever he goes, which could be Man Utd, he'll be prepared for the job he takes for sure."
While there has been no suggestion that Amorim is currently at risk of losing his job, the board will certainly demand improved performances fast, with hopes of ending a decade of hurt at Old Trafford.
But with tough clashes against newly promoted Sunderland and reigning champions Liverpool, Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham in their next five outings, Amorim and his United side will have their work cut out as they bid to turn things back around.
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