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Former Barcelona boss Xavi has reportedly asked Manchester United to sign two of his former players at Camp Nou, as a condition to accept Ruben Amorim’s job.
There have been rumours that Amorim is under pressure amidst United’s struggles. Things haven’t improved since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November last year and there have been suggestions INEOS could look to implement a change of guard in the summer.
Amorim has won just five of the 16 Premier League games he has taken charge of, with the Red Devils currently languishing in 14th place with a mere 33 points gained from a possible 81.
One coach whose name has popped up in recent weeks is Xavi. A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Xavi has rejected United at least twice over the past few months, although he would now be keen on the opportunity as he seeks a return to management ahead of next season.
Now, a report from Spain [via Football365] claims that Xavi could indeed succeed Amorim if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS pull the trigger and part ways with the Portuguese tactician.
On Xavi, the report points out that “the possibility of joining the English team is very attractive to him, which is why he has resumed talks with Jim Ratcliffe and has already made his first requests.”
The Spain legend “would request the signature of two former pupils, starting with Frenkie de Jong” – a player who was “on their agenda before Xavi’s request, as he was also an obsession for Ten Hag.”
Xavi’s “other wish at Barca would be Ronald Araujo.” The Uruguayan is another footballer United have been strongly linked to in the past.
It’s understood that Xavi and Araujo grew “distant” towards the end of his spell at Barcelona but this “has not been an impediment for him to ask United to sign him.”
Despite this report, it’s well-known that United are still planning their summer transfer window under the assumption that Amorim will be in the dugout.
The hierarchy are undoubtedly keen to shape the squad in his image by bringing in players that suit his preferred style of play and football philosophy.
It’s also unlikely that United would be interested in De Jong and Araujo again, having missed out on them before. Both players publicly turned down potential moves to United, emphasising on multiple occasions that they wanted to stay with the Blaugrana.
This report from Spain should therefore be taken with a pinch of salt until the information is verified by more reliable sources.
Meanwhile, United are back in action on Thursday when they face Real Sociedad in the round of 16 of the Europa League. Kick-off is at 17:45 GMT.
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