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Manchester United were reportedly rejected by Xavi Hernandez before settling on Ruben Amorim as their new manager.
After the dismissal of Erik ten Hag on Monday, Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed interim and his spell in charge got off to the perfect start with an energetic 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
The club has been quick to bring in Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim as a replacement with the deal reportedly being expected to be announced today after Sir Dave Brailsford confirmed to a fan after the match last night that a deal “was done”.
However, according to certain reports Amorim was not the club’s first choice to take over from the beleaguered Ten Hag.
GIVEMESPORT sources claim that “Manchester United were hit with an early setback when they began their attempts to replace ten Hag as Xavi rejected the possibility of heading to Old Trafford.”
The Spanish coach who won the La Liga title in 2023, allegedly “made it clear that he did not want to be considered as a contender to fill the managerial vacancy.”
The former Barcelona midfielder’s reluctance to take the reins at Old Trafford is said to be a key driving force in Ineos’ decision to push ahead with the Amorim deal.
“Xavi decided Manchester United was not the right project for him to consider at this stage as he is taking time to reflect upon his managerial career so far and is keen to wait for the perfect job.”
In addition, sources stat that the 44 year old even “has doubts” that he ever wants to work in England’s top division.
Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has already insisted that the coach wants time to relax after he was left physically burnt out from the sacking from his boyhood club FC Barcelona in the spring.
Xavi would certainly have brought star quality to the Old Trafford hotseat and would have demanded automatic respect from the dressing room due to his incredible quality as a player.
Nonetheless, a hypothetical appointment of Xavi would not have been without its risks as he has limited experience and things hardly went swimmingly his whole time in charge of La Blaugrana.