Xavi Set To Become Next Manchester United Manager Following Erik Ten Hag’s Sacking According To AI

Former Barcelona boss, Xavi, will be the next Manchester United manager after the Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman was relieved of his duties in the early hours of Monday morning, after United lost 2-1 to West Ham at the London Stadium on Super Sunday.

This was the clubs fourth defeat in the league and they now sit 14th in the table, just seven points above the relegation zone.

Performances in the league were not the only concern, as Ten Hag failed to win in his opening three Europa League  matches this season – drawing to FC Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce.

During his time as United manager, Ten Hag managed to win a trophy each season, clinching the Carabao Cup in his opening season and the 2023/24 FA Cup.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy is set to take the job on an interim basis following ten Hag’s departure and his first match will be home clash against Leicester in the Carabao Cup.

His position at Old Trafford will largely rely on results, as a host of possible replacements have been linked with the Manchester United job.

With that said, we used our AI Supercomputer to predict who will be the next Manchester United manager.

AI Picks Top 5 Candidates For Next Manchester United Manager

1. Xavi
2. Ruud Van Nistelrooy 
3. Julian Nagelsmann
4. Ruben Amorim
5. Kieran McKenna

Xavi has been identified as the most likely option to take the reins at Old Trafford, as the Spaniard looks for his first job back into football after leaving Barcelona.

During his time as Barcelona manager, Xavi won a La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup in 2022/23, before being sacked in May 2024.

Recent images of Xavi and his son have emerged online sparking rumours of a move to Manchester, as his child was wearing United’s home shirt.

The AI has also picked Ruud Van Nistelrooy as a possible candidate, who as we previously mentioned is taking the role as interim manager.

Before joining United’s coaching staff at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, the Dutchman was in charge of PSV – winning the Dutch Cup and Dutch Super Cup in 2022/23.

The following three options will be slightly harder to convince as they are all currently active, with Julian Nagelsmann managing the German national team, Ruben Amorim is leading the way with Sporting Lisbon and Kieran McKenna is making his debut in the Premier League with Ipswich.

The latter was previously in the Manchester United coaching team, working as a secondary to Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer during the Norwegians time as Red Devils boss.

AI Summary

“As Manchester United seeks to fill its managerial vacancy, several prominent candidates have emerged, with Xavi Hernandez emerging as the frontrunner. The Barcelona legend has garnered attention for his impressive tactical acumen and leadership qualities – shown during his time at the Nou Camp. His ability to develop young talent and instill a strong playing philosophy aligns perfectly with Manchester United’s historic ethos. Xavi’s familiarity with high-pressure environments and his success in domestic and European competitions make him a compelling option for the club.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy, a former United star and now interim manager, has also been considered for the permanent role. His passion for the club and deep understanding of its culture could resonate well with players and fans alike. However, concerns about his managerial experience and ability to handle the rigors of the Premier League may hinder his candidacy.

Julian Nagelsmann, known for his innovative tactics and youthful energy, has a strong track record in Germany and as the national team manager. While his modern approach appeals to many, there are questions about his fit in a club with the legacy and expectations of Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese manager of Sporting Lisbon, has shown promise with his tactical flexibility and success in the Primeira Liga. However, his relative lack of experience at a top European club could be a disadvantage in such a high-stakes environment.

Kieran McKenna, currently managing at Ipswich Town, represents a more unorthodox choice. His connection to United’s youth setup and understanding of the club’s traditions are assets, but his limited experience at the highest level might raise doubts among the board.

Overall, while each candidate brings unique strengths, Xavi stands out as the most likely choice, combining experience, vision, and a profound connection to the values that define Manchester United.”