Ruben Amorim is on the edge of becoming the latest Manchester United manager to be sacked, with Xavi emerging as a contender to replace him.
One of the most recognisable names among football fans over the past 20 years is that of Xavi, the Barcelona and Spain legend.
The once great midfielder was part of the famous Barcelona side which was Sir Alex Ferguson’s toughest opposition over the years, earning the ideal footballing education under Pep Guardiola.
Having impressed early in his managerial career at Barcelona, Manchester United considered appointing Xavi to replace Erik ten Hag, with the Spaniard ultimately overlooked for Ruben Amorim.
However, one year on, Amorim is under huge pressure, and Xavi is willing to take the United job in a heartbeat, and his biggest selling points are perfect for the Red Devils.
Xavi plays a 4-3-3 system, which suits the squad perfectly, and his commitment to trusting youth at Barcelona is particularly exciting for one United academy starlet.
Xavi would instantly promote Jim Thwaites at Manchester United
When he was linked last year, Rio Ferdinand said Xavi had United DNA, which is a necessity for the next manager after Amorim has demolished everything the club stood for.
This includes using the youth, with Xavi key in the success of Pedri and Gavi, sharing his midfield expertise and would therefore be the perfect manager to oversee the integration of Jim Thwaites into the first-team.
Thwaites has made an excellent impression on Amorim this season, with his academy performances getting fans excited over his potential and the qualities he would have in midfield.
If Xavi replaces Amorim, Thwaites is one of the handful of youngsters that may instantly be promoted by the Spaniard due to the 17-year-old having qualities which would be at home in the Barcelona academy.
Thwaites has been compared with David Beckham and Paul Scholes, with Barcelona midfielders past and present, Iniesta, Pedri, Thiago Alcantara and Frankie de Jong also having similarities to the teenage Carrington starlet.
In Xavi’s potential three man midfield for the future, we could see Thwaites either in the six or eight, alongside Kobbie Mainoo. This duo alongside Rene Meulensteen backed Adam Wharton makes for a well-balanced midfield three which is perfect for the system the Spanish head coach would implement.
Xavi loved Paul Scholes and could have chance to mould Jim Thwaites into the next legendary Manchester United midfielder
Thwaites is an incredible passer and his press resistance makes him very impressive to watch as he bosses the U18 Premier League and also at U21.
As a result of his midfield talents, Thwaites has been likened to Scholes, who Xavi spoke glowingly about as quoted by Goal.
“I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything.
“He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish, then maybe he would have been valued more.”
Thwaites is similar to what Xavi discussed, and his dedication to trusting the academy and young players makes him the perfect man to bring the 17-year-old through.
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