An in-depth interview with Xavi Hernandez saw the Barcelona legend name his four favourite players to watch in the world right now. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that one of those players is at Manchester United.
Xavi Hernandez left Barcelona at the end of last season after two and a half years as coach, but he will be remembered mostly as one of their best players in the club’s history.
The Spain international won everything he could at Barcelona, including two Champions League finals against Manchester United in 2009 and 2011.
Xavi was linked with the United job earlier this season after Erik ten Hag was dismissed, but Ineos opted to appoint Ruben Amorim as head coach instead.
The Barca icon was a popular candidate among United fans, and it was confirmed that the Red Devils made contact with Xavi, which means he was at least considered for the position at Old Trafford.
Xavi now watches football from afar and has named the four players who excite him more than the rest.
Xavi Hernandez names Bruno Fernandes among his favourite players
Although it has been a gruelling season for United on the pitch, the Reds could reach the Europa League final if they get through tonight’s second leg at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s side holds a three-goal advantage over Athletic Club, and nobody should underestimate Bruno Fernandes’ influence in getting United this far in Europe’s second-tier competition.
Barcelona legend Xavi has already given his verdict on United’s Europa League tie against Athletic Club, but the iconic midfielder has also revealed his favourite players to watch, including Fernandes.
Unsurprisingly, all three players mentioned play in midfield, but it shows each of them is highly rated by the very best.
“Pedri,” Xavi mentioned as the first player he enjoys watching, in an interview with Andy Mitten for The Athletic. “He doesn’t lose the ball. He makes the best decisions each time when he has the ball. He always takes the best position.
“Frenkie (de Jong) is in a good moment, this guy Vitinha. I always focus on midfielders.
“Bruno Fernandes is another top-level player. He’s a warrior, his mentality is only to win. He has the talent and the passion.”
United fans will hope Fernandes’ passion is enough to steer them into the Europa League final.
Xavi reflects on Man Utd defeat in 2023
In 2013, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer led United to victory over Barcelona in the Europa League to secure a place in the round-of-16.
The first leg at Camp Nou finished 2-2, but United got the desired result at Old Trafford, beating Barcelona 2-1 thanks to goals from Fred and Antony.
Xavi was the Barcelona manager at the time and, while hyping Fernandes, he named another four players who shone when they took on United.
“Him [Fernandes], Rashford, Fred, Lisandro and Antony played so well when they played my Barca team,” Xavi said.
“In the first half of the second half at Old Trafford, we controlled the game a little bit. But in the second half, they were amazing. They played with passion. Fernandes was against me during the game – passion.”
After knocking out Barcelona, United went on to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League, before collapsing to a 3-0 defeat against Sevilla.
Amorim will hope he can win the Europa League at United this season, which is a feat that has not been achieved since 2017, when Jose Mourinho’s side beat Ajax in the final.
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