Barcelona legend Xavi has indicated he is keen to replace Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, according to reports.
Amorim is under monumental pressure at Old Trafford following United’s disappointing start to the season.
The Red Devils have won just two of their first seven games and Saturday’s defeat at Brentford leaves them 14th in the Premier League.
Amorim is still yet to win successive league games since replacing Erik ten Hag last November, amassing just 33 points from 34 games in that time.
A significant section of Manchester United fans believe Amorim should be sacked, with ex-England midfielder Joe Cole also voicing that opinion after the 3-1 loss to Brentford.
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Reports have suggested United have begun to at least start to consider sacking Amorim by drawing up a shortlist of possible replacements for the former Sporting manager.
Since the Brentford defeat, Sir Gareth Southgate, Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola have all been linked with the Old Trafford job.
However, BBC Sport say the Manchester United board remain ‘supportive’ of Amorim and believe he deserves a full season to prove he is the right man to turn the club’s fortunes around.
United officials have also dismissed rumours that replacements for Amorim have already been drawn up, although their patience will of course be tested if results do not improve.
Speaking after the Brentford defeat, Amorim said: ‘I am never concerned about my job – I am not that kind of guy. It is not my decision. I will do the best I can every minute I am here.’
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Manchester United’s backing of Amorim will do little to quell speculation that the 40-year-old Portuguese is fighting a losing battle.
The Theatre of Dreams has been an attractive proposition for high-profile coaches despite the club’s struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson retired and Xavi would reportedly jump at the chance to take the reins.
Fabrizio Romano says that Xavi has been ‘studying’ the Premier League and would ‘immediately’ take the Manchester United job if it was offered.
The report adds that the lack of European football would not deter Xavi, a former Barcelona manager and one of the greatest players of his generation, from becoming United boss.
Xavi spent the best part of two decades at Barca, making over 700 appearances for the Spanish giants and winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
The 45-year-old led Barcelona to a La Liga title during his three-year spell in charge before agreeing to leave last year.
Amorim will be desperate to lead Manchester United to a much-needed victory next week when newly-promoted Sunderland visit Old Trafford.
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