Xavi Will Demand More Than Just the United Badge, Says Mendieta

Manchester United's search for a permanent manager will require more than just dangling one of football's most respected names in front of the Old Trafford faithful. Xavi, the former Barcelona boss, has emerged as a potential candidate to succeed Ruben Amorim—who was axed earlier this month—but according to his old Barcelona and Spain colleague Gaizka Mendieta, the 45-year-old will demand a project that genuinely excites him.

The Red Devils endured a torrid 14 months under Amorim, finishing 15th last season before limping to seventh this campaign, just six points clear of relegation trouble. That dismal run continued with a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton on Sunday. The club will now install an interim manager until summer, with Michael Carrick leading the race for that temporary role, before embarking on a permanent appointment.

Xavi's name has surfaced among the summer targets alongside Oliver Glasner, Thomas Tuchel, and Julian Nagelsmann. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano recently suggested the Spaniard "would love to coach in the Premier League" and feels ready to return after his Barcelona departure and time away from the game.

However, Mendieta has made clear that Xavi won't simply rock up to Manchester because of the club's history and pulling power. Speaking to Boyle Sports, he explained: "Xavi would definitely understand what a club like Manchester United needs in terms of the history and how the fans demand trophies. I think that's probably in line with Barca when he joined them. Knowing Xavi, I think what would be a priority though, is the project. It's a huge club, but he will need to see something that makes him really want to do it."

The former midfielder stressed that ambition alone won't seal the deal. "It's something that he needs to be excited about. He wouldn't join just because it's United, but because there's a project behind it. It needs to be a project that aligns with his idea of the football that he wants to put in place. He would not go just for the sake of being Man Utd manager, he would need to be given the tools he needs to play his type of football."

Xavi himself has previously outlined his requirements. When asked about his future last year, he said: "Of course? Where, I don't know. There's no hurry for me, but I'd like a good project. Like, 'You have four years to work and make a project.' I'd love to work in the Premier League because I love the passion there. In Spain, it's too much about the result. Or a national team, that would appeal. When I dreamed about being a coach, I dreamed about being in a World Cup or European Championship."

The message is clear: United must present something more than a blank cheque and a trophy cabinet.