Man Utd target Xavi learns he's 'leading candidate' for managerial job

Former Barcelona midfielder and manager Xavi has regularly been linked with the job at Manchester United but he could potentially be bound for the World Cup

Former Barcelona manager Xavi is reportedly among the candidates to be appointed as Morocco boss despite their current manager still being in the job. The Spaniard has been out of work since leaving the Camp Nou back in 2024.

He has been linked with a move to Manchester United on a number of occasions and could still be considered for the role, albeit Michael Carrick continues to impress at Old Trafford.

And should a move to United not be on the cards, Xavi could opt to move into international football with Morocco. According to a number of reports, Walid Regragui is on the verge of leaving his post, despite the Moroccan FA denying an exit could be imminent.

A statement earlier this week read: “The Royal Moroccan Football Federation denies the information circulating regarding its separation with coach Mr. Walid Regragui.”

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Xavi is one of the leading candidates to take the role should the nation opt for a change. Morocco might have a task on their hands to convince him to take the job though.

It is reported that Xavi would rather take a role right at the start of a project as opposed to right in the middle. Morocco reached the final of the recent African Cup of Nations under Regragui, as well as the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar four years ago.

They have been drawn to face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in the upcoming tournament taking place in the USA, Canada and Mexico. When it comes to Xavi, he has regularly claimed that he wants to continue winning major titles in his next job.

Speaking last year, he said: “I don’t have anything established in my future, I have an open mind. Why not manage another La Liga side? I’m open to listening to offers. I’m looking for an exciting project and I have the ambition to win titles. That’s my goal.

“I want my players to have fun, perform an attractive football style for their fans and finally to win trophies. I want to win the Champions League, the Euros, the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Xavi has also underlined his desire to potentially work in England at some point in his career. Speaking to The Athletic, he said: “I'd love to work in the Premier League because I love the passion there.”