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Former Barcelona midfielder and manager Xavi has weighed in on Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United.
Amorim was appointed United boss last year as a replacement for Erik ten Hag. It was hoped that Amorim would turn United’s season around, but that hasn’t been the case, especially in the Premier League.
The Red Devils are currently languishing in 15th place in the table and are yet to hit 40 points, with just three top-flight games left to play.
United are on course for their worst Premier League campaign in history – a fact Amorim has never shied away from.
However, the 20-time English champions still have a chance to win a major piece of silverware in the form of the Europa League.
United took a giant step towards achieving this feat on Thursday, as they beat Athletic Club 4-1 in the return leg of their semi-final tie and 7-1 on aggregate. They will face Tottenham Hotspur in the final.
Before Amorim took over the reins at Old Trafford, Xavi was strongly linked to the job. The Spaniard has been out of work since last year when he was sacked by Barcelona.
As recently as a few months ago, the La Liga-winning coach was even touted as a possible replacement for Amorim, in the event Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS chose to part ways with him. However, the prospect of Xavi taking the helm at United now appears to be off the table.
Xavi sat down with Andy Mitten of The Athletic and had his say on Amorim and the job the 40-year-old is doing at United.
Xavi said, “I know Manchester United has a difficult year, but I can see what Ruben Amorim is trying to do.”
“He’s at the start of his project, but I see one thing, that the players are fighting for him. And that is so important. They run for the team.”
The legendary midfielder revealed his ambitions of managing in the Premier League one day.
“There’s no hurry for me, but I’d like a good project. Like, ‘You have four years to work and make a project’. I’d love to work in the Premier League because I love the passion there.”
“In Spain, it’s too much about the result.”
He added, “Or a national team, that would appeal. When I dreamed about being a coach, I dreamed about being in a World Cup or European Championship.”
“[The Spain job?] Why not in the future? Or another one. I’m not anxious. I don’t have an obsession where I need to work. I’m calm watching football, being with my family.”
Meanwhile, United are back in action on Sunday when they welcome West Ham at Old Trafford.
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