Xavi’s son pictured in Manchester United kit amid Red Devils’ talks with the Barcelona legend over coaching role
Former Barcelona manager Xavi's wife Nuria Cunillera recently shared an Instagram story featuring their son, Dan, wearing a Manchester United home kit alongside his father. The story came amid reports of the Spaniard replacing Erik ten Hag as the Red Devils' head coach.
Last week, Mail Sport reported that Manchester United had held talks with Xavi on two occasions to replace Ten Hag as manager. A four-man delegation led by Omar Berrada reportedly travelled to Barcelona earlier this month to speak to the former Blaugrana legend.
Speculations increased after the Red Devils management sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday (October 28) following a 2-1 loss to West Ham United in the Premier League alongside consistently poor results. The loss on Sunday left United 14th in the Premier League table.
On October 27, Xavi's wife Nuria Cunillera took to Instagram to share a snap of the Spaniard and their son, Dan, at the family table. The father-son duo appeared to be arranging cards while Dan sported an older Manchester United home kit.
Xavi has been on a sabbatical since his managerial stint at his boyhood club Barcelona came to an end in the summer of 2024. The Spaniard had joined Barca in November 2021. During his two-and-half season stint, he won two trophies with La Blaugrana, including LaLiga and Supercopa de Espana, both of which came in the 2022-23 season. He registered 91 wins in 143 games.
The former Spain international had expression his intention to leave at the end of the 2023-24 season, but later changed his mind to continue for another season. However, weeks after agreeing to stay, he was sacked by the Barcelona management in a bizarre turn of events. German coach Hansi Flick replaced him as head coach in the summer of 2024.
Former Barcelona coach Xavi is not keen taking new project amid Manchester United links: Reports
According to GOAL, former Blaugrana coach Xavi does not have any intentions of taking up a new project until the end of this season. Therefore, Manchester United might have to wait longer if they wish to hire the Spaniard.
However, the Red Devils hiring a new coach in the current season seems imminent after Ten Hag's sacking. As per Fabrizio Romano, Ruud van Nistelrooy will operate as interim manager at the club until a permanent head coach is hired.
Although he reportedly wants to continue his sabbatical, Xavi has previously expressed his desire to work in the Premier League. In an interview with The Times in 2021, he said (via Daily Mail):
"I would be thrilled to work there. Everyone tells me that the Premier League is wonderful, a great league to work in. First of all, for the passion with how they live the game. How they treat and respect you, the atmosphere and the stadiums. So why not? I could see myself in England, definitely, it’s one of the things I’d like to experience in my career."
Apart from Xavi, candidates like Simone Inzaghi, Gareth Southgate, and Thomas Frank have also been linked to Manchester United.