Manchester United were booed off the pitch after their 1-1 draw with West Ham on Thursday night, supporters having voiced their frustration at their side's inconsistency and limp performances under Ruben Amorim this season.
While Amorim is not expected to lose his job any time soon, with United still backing the manager despite their poor start to the season, an inability to string together a run of victories or take the game to their opponents means the clock is ticking.
United are now seriously weighing up a move for former Barcelona head coach Xavi, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, while reports claimed in October that the all-time great is 'waiting' for a call from Old Trafford.
The tactician, who is known to have turned down multiple offers from the Saudi Pro League after being dismissed by Barcelona at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, is reportedly prepared to make himself available if Amorim is handed his own marching orders.
United Must Move Quickly For Xavi
xavi hernandez
At present, the only clear conclusion is that United must do all they can to snap Xavi up before another club beats them to him.
He is attainable mid-season, meaning he would be on hand within a matter of hours should the trigger be pulled on Amorim. Intriguingly, GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano previously revealed that Xavi would be open to the idea of coaching in the Premier League one day, having kept a close eye on English football.
Success, of course, is the be-all and end-all at United, but the 45-year-old also ticks this box. His track record will be a source of envy for coaches around the globe, after he won both LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup in 2022-23 - his first full campaign in charge of Barcelona. As a player, he also tasted success multiple times both domestically and in the Champions League.
Simply, he knows how to win trophies and what it takes to lead a group to success. United, who have, in truth, drifted since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, sorely need this know-how and steely determination to restore their standards.
Xavi also understands the importance of youth and actually playing them, in contrast to Amorim. Eyebrows were once again raised when United's present boss poorly outlined his reasons for not selecting Kobbie Mainoo during the draw with West Ham, and this friction could well spell the end for him, regardless of how poor the results have been.
United's academy conveyor belt is a source of pride at Old Trafford, and Xavi would aid them on this front instead of holding them back. He is, after all, the man who gave Lamine Yamal his first-team debut at Barcelona at the age of 15.
Furthermore, he would instil an attractive style of play, one built around keeping the ball and an emphasis on tricky wingers. Simply moving the club's world-class widemen into dangerous positions consistently, instead of the likes of Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot, would make a world of difference and haul an expectant crowd back to their feet.
Xavi's Past Man United Praise
Xavi during his time in the Barcelona dugout
Barcelona manager Xavi
Judging by his previous comments, Xavi would be honoured by the opportunity to manage United.
As quoted by ESPN, the World Cup winner even labelled the Red Devils his favourite club in England.
There was a long time when I genuinely thought about accepting United’s offer. I needed a change of scenery and things were not going well for me at Barcelona.
I have always felt a real attachment to English football and Manchester United would be ‘my club’ there.
The interest is clearly there, so now it is down to United to make it happen. If they don't, they risk sacrificing yet another season.