Spanish football expert comments on Xavi to Man Utd, as Ruben Amorim rumours accelerate

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Manchester United are searching for a new manager after announcing the departure of Erik ten Hag on Monday morning.

Erik ten Hag suffered defeat on Sunday afternoon, losing 2-1 away at West Ham United.

That proved to be Ten Hag’s final defeat as Manchester United boss – despite losing in controversial circumstances.

Ineos did not allow Ten Hag a stay of execution despite a soft penalty being given to West Ham.

Ten Hag was axed on Monday morning with Ineos clearly deciding that the season simply wasn’t going to get any better under the Dutchman.

The attention now turns to finding a replacement and a host of names have already been linked with the job.

• READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes breaks silence first as Erik ten Hag is sacked as Manchester United manager

Guillem Balague on Xavi Hernandez

One of the first names in the mix was Xavi Hernandez.

The Spaniard left Barcelona at the end of last season and has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Speculation last week suggested that United had contacted Xavi on multiple occasions, using intermediaries to gauge his interest.

Rio Ferdinand has thrown his support behind a potential move for Xavi, believing that he could bring Barcelona’s tactical approach to United.

However, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague claims that Xavi’s plans have not changed at all.

Xavi allegedly wants to remain out of football until next summer and has no plans to jump into a new job in the middle of the campaign.

Balague adds that Xavi may well end up in the Premier League when he does decide to return to management.

Balague even claims that Xavi hasn’t actually heard from United anyway, so the prospect of a move seem pretty slim.

• READ MORE: Xavi has already raved about ‘dangerous’ Man Utd player as Ineos approach for Barcelona legend revealed

United move for Ruben Amorim

With Xavi seemingly not exactly desperate to take the United job, other managers are taking priority.

Reports breaking on Monday evening suggest that United are moving to make Sporting boss Ruben Amorim the replacement for Ten Hag.

This deal is not done just yet though and United do need to have other options in mind just in case Amorim can’t be lured to Old Trafford.

Xavi may well be one of them but the timing could be a problem in that regard with the Spaniard preferring to wait until summer.

Perhaps United can throw everything at Xavi down the line if needed, but it’s clear that Amorim has become the priority – and that may close the door on Xavi once and for all.