Why is Xavi the ideal candidate to replace Amorin in charge of Manchester United

After legendary coach Ferguson retires for more than ten years, Manchester United's job in finding his successor has not yet flourished. Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho, Solskjaer and Tenhamhe failed to lead the club back to their glory days.

Amorin was selected to take over the position in November last year, but ten months have passed and he has not really brought the team on track. So far, the "Red Devils" under the Portuguese coach has gone through a difficult period. The team ranked only 15th in the league last season and lost to Tottenham in the Europa League final.

Despite the huge investment in the roster in the summer, the results have not improved. After six rounds of the Premier League, Manchester United ranked 14th and has only scored seven goals in the league so far.

Amorin's pressure surged at Old Trafford

Manchester United performed positively at the start of the season, and despite losing 0-1 to Arsenal, the scene was impressive. However, since then, the team's condition has fluctuated, and the fans' emotions have also fluctuated between pain and ecstasy. The

League Cup loss to Greensby Town seemed to have shattered dreams, and the tough victory over Burnley rekindled hope. A 0-3 defeat by Manchester City destroyed the sandcastle, but after defeating Chelsea 2-1, Manchester United was reborn like a phoenix.

However, the game last weekend's 1-3 loss to Brentford (the team won only one victory this season before this game) seemed to be the last straw that crushed fans' patience. For some time, Amorin has mixed praise among supporters and commentators, and the defeat has intensified the voices of doubters. At this moment, the Portuguese is still fragile in Old Trafford.

Potential candidates

Recent reports show that Manchester United has initially screened multiple candidates for Old Trafford's popular coach. Crystal Palace coach Glasner has turned the fate of "Eagles" since taking over Selhurst Park, and his name is linked to the job.

Bornemouth coach Ilaura was also mentioned as an option, and Southgate was reportedly within the scope of Ineos' consideration.

It is currently believed that former Barcelona coach Xavi is eager to take charge of the Red Devils. The Spaniard currently has no head coach position and is reportedly ready to take over the club immediately. And he may be the right person for this job.

coaching experience

Xavi led the team through an impressive journey during his two and a half years of coaching in Barcelona. The Spaniard won the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup before being suddenly sacked in May 2024.

Xavi has achieved a record of 89 wins and 29 losses in 142 matches in Barcelona, ​​with a winning rate of 62.68%. The Spaniard is well aware of the strict requirements of coaching top European clubs, which gives him an advantage in the competition for Old Trafford coaching position.

Unlike Amorin, Xavi once led Barcelona to the Champions League and fully understood the fans' expectations. Manchester United is quickly becoming a pressure cooker for players and coaches, but the Spaniard has the experience of dealing with the "Dream Theatre" expectations.

Emphasize ball control

Amorin hopes that his team will play high-intensity, offensive football, and emphasize ball control and organized offensive organization. Meanwhile, Harvey also favors football philosophy based on ball control, and his team has performed well in controlling the pace of the game in the past.

Therefore, the arrival of the Spaniards does not require a huge tactical change, which is different from what Amorin did when he took over the Red Devils. Instead, the focus will be on improving the team’s way of playing when possessing the ball, which is the pain point that the club has been there for years.

Under Amorin's command, Manchester United has difficulty controlling the game and mostly relies on offense and defense conversions. This hurts the team when facing opponents who take low post defense. And Xavi's tactical system emphasizes controlling the ball and maintaining the ball rights. His football philosophy is based on controlling the pace of the game, which may refresh the current situation of Manchester United.

Formation Change

One of the biggest problems facing Amorin is his 3-4-3 formation, which the team is still working hard to adapt to the requirements of this formation. Xavi uses a 4-3-3 formation, and Manchester United's lineup is more suitable for this system. The Red Devils have used this formation under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Tenhach, and have traditionally adopted a four-guard system. However, Harvey is more tactically flexible, and has previously adjusted his strategy based on his opponent's situation, which Amorin still seems reluctant to do so.

At the same time, the arrival of Xavi may solve one of Manchester United's biggest paradoxes - the midfield problem. Amorin's double midfield configuration is often broken through by opponents, and supporters strongly call for a three-midfield switch. Xavi deploys the three midfielders, and the three midfielders composed of Bruno Fernandez, Menu and Casemiro can immediately control the midfield. This will bring balance to the team, combining defensive stability with offensive creativity while reducing reliance on full-backs.

If Baalba replaces Casemiro in the winter or next summer, Manchester United may have one of the best midfield combinations in the league.

Focus on the cultivation of young players

Manchester United has a tradition of promoting young players. At Old Trafford, age is not a problem as long as you have enough strength. This is why Amorin’s use of Menu this season has confused fans and commentators.

The England international has been competing for the starting position with B Fee this season, but has not yet won a start in the league. Similarly, Yoro has also given his position to Maguire in recent games.

In Barcelona, ​​players such as Gavey and Pedri shine under Xavi, and in his short term, a total of 15 La Macia youth training players completed their first team debut! These include Yamal, Kubasi, Femine Lopez and Casado, who have now become an important part of Frick's coaching Barcelona system. Manchester United also has a group of young talents ready to enter the first team, so Xavi's experience in handling young players will be a plus.

Reshaping the team's identity

Manchester United currently needs more than a new coach. Teams need an identity, a trait that has disappeared in recent seasons.

Harvey's arrival may point out a new direction for this Premier League giant. This will mark Ineos' commitment to young talents, football philosophy and club ideals.

Just as he defeated Real Madrid to win the La Liga title, perhaps Xavi could end the rule of former coach Guardiola in England and open a new era in the "Dream Theater".