Xavi has expressed his stance on Manchester United as INEOS reportedly reaches out to the former Barcelona manager.

Barcelona legend Xavi has addressed speculation linking him to Manchester United amid reports that INEOS has contacted the former Barça manager in recent weeks.

Since leaving Barcelona at the end of the 2023/24 season, Xavi has remained out of work. He was previously considered as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag last summer, but INEOS ultimately stuck with the Dutchman before later appointing Ruben Amorim.

With Amorim now struggling at United, speculation surrounding Xavi has resurfaced. However, the Spanish outlet Relevo reports that while multiple clubs, including United, have reached out to him this season, Xavi remains committed to his planned sabbatical.

Xavi and his team have reportedly made it clear that they prefer to take on a new project from the ground up, aiming for a long-term, competitive challenge—making a potential summer move more realistic. Despite turning down United last summer, he has not ruled out taking the job next season if Amorim fails to turn things around.

Xavi has previously spoken highly of United, praising their progress under Ten Hag after Barcelona faced them in the Europa League in 2023. Speaking to TNT Sport, he said:

“I think Manchester is coming back, and they showed their best. We need to be proud. I think both teams are in a similar situation, trying to return to their best level. I told Ten Hag, ‘Congratulations,’ because he’s doing very well, and they are Manchester United.”

He also suggested that a clash between the two clubs could one day take place in the later stages of the Champions League. However, his assessment hasn’t quite aged as expected—while Barcelona currently lead La Liga and are among the Champions League favorites, United are struggling in 15th place in the Premier League.