Xavi's hint to Manchester United during Old Trafford storm

Amid the uproar following Erik ten Hag‘s dismissal as Manchester United manager, Xavi Hernández’s family sparked speculation on social media, with Manchester United at the center of attention.

During the Red Devils’ 2-1 defeat to Julen LoPetegui’s West Ham at the London Stadium—a loss that ultimately cost Ten Hag his job—Xavi’s wife, Núria Cunillera, shared a family photo on Instagram.

In the background, their son was seen wearing a Manchester United shirt. As expected, Manchester fans quickly made the connection, and the image went viral on social media. For now, the club has announced that Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in as interim coach.

Full screen

'I seriously considered accepting Manchester United’s offer'

Although Xavi Hernández is not the leading candidate to succeed Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager, despite reportedly meeting with the Manchester board twice in recent months, this isn’t the first time he’s been linked with the club.

In fact, back in 2011, Xavi himself admitted, “There was a long time when I seriously considered accepting Manchester United’s offer. I’ve always felt a strong connection to English Football, and Manchester United would be ‘my club’ there.”

Full screen

The list of potential candidates to take over at Old Trafford is extensive, including names like Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Frank, Rúben Amorim, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Graham Potter, Edin Terzic, Gareth Southgate, Michael Carrick, and Massimiliano Allegri.

As of yet, as mentioned, there is no firm candidate to take over for the long term, despite the news leaking during the summer that the club had indeed, while ten Hag was still there, speaking to a number of names that could potentially suit the role.