Former Barcelona manager Xavi has been linked with taking over at Manchester United at the end of the season, if the club decide not to keep Michael Carrick
Former Barcelona boss Xavi
Former Barcelona boss Xavi has been linked with a move to Man United(Image: 2024 Getty Images)
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Former Barcelona boss Xavi is reportedly among the contenders being considered for the Morocco manager's position, despite their current head coach remaining in post. The Spaniard has been without a club since departing the Camp Nou in 2024.
He has been touted for a switch to Manchester United on several occasions and remains a potential candidate for the position, though Michael Carrick continues to deliver impressive results at Old Trafford.
Should a move to United fail to materialise, Xavi might consider transitioning into international management with Morocco. According to multiple reports, Walid Regragui is close to departing his role, despite the Moroccan FA refuting claims that an exit is imminent.
A statement released earlier this week read: "The Royal Moroccan Football Federation denies the information circulating regarding its separation with coach Mr. Walid Regragui."
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According to Spanish publication Marca, Xavi is among the frontrunners to assume the position should the nation decide upon a managerial change. However, Morocco may face a challenge in persuading him to accept the role.
It is understood that Xavi would prefer to join a project from its inception rather than midway through. Under Regragui, Morocco reached the recent African Cup of Nations final, alongside the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar four years ago.
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Xavi Hernanez
Xavi is one of the names linked with the Manchester United job(Image: Getty Images)
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They've been paired with Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in the forthcoming tournament being held across the USA, Canada and Mexico. As for Xavi, he has consistently expressed his ambition to continue securing major silverware in his next role.
In comments made last year, he stated: "I don't have anything established in my future, I have an open mind. Why not manage another La Liga side? I'm open to listening to offers. I'm looking for an exciting project and I have the ambition to win titles. That's my goal.
"I want my players to have fun, perform an attractive football style for their fans and finally to win trophies. I want to win the Champions League, the Euros, the World Cup."
Additionally, Xavi has highlighted his interest in potentially managing in England at some stage during his career. In an interview with The Athletic, he said: "I'd love to work in the Premier League because I love the passion there."
Xavi could become the second manager linked with the United vacancy that takes a job in international football. Zinedine Zidane has already agreed to become France's new boss after the World Cup to replace Didier Deschamps.
The 53-year-old has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021. However, he has previously refused to rule out a move to the Premier League. He told L'Equipe: "Never say never. Especially when you are a coach today. If I go back to a club, it is to win. I say this with all modesty.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane has previously been linked with Manchester United(Image: THIBAUD MORITZ, AFP via Getty Images)
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"That's why I can't just go anywhere. For other reasons, too. Certain conditions make things more difficult. When someone says to me, 'Do you want to go to Manchester [United]?' I understand English but I don't fully master it.
"I know there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language but I work differently. To win, many elements come into play. It's a global context. I know what I need to win.
"Of course, I might not always win but I know that you need to have this, this and this. And I want to do everything on my side to optimise my chances of victory."