30 Sep 2025 14:14:33
So let's talk managers.
I've been going through the list and for me there should only be 2 candidates
Glasner and Xavi.
One brings discipline and tactical flexibility, the other is an icon of the game who would instantly boost morale with his presence alone and push towards the Barcelona ideals.
Glasner currently plays the same formation as us but successfully. However, he has played different formations at the clubs he has been at. He plays the formation and system that suits the players he has, instead of being plan A or bust.
He is prem proven, unbeaten this season and wins trophies against the odds.
Downside: he's pragmatic which might not be considered the 'United way', if that means anything anymore.
Xavi meet Kobbie. There is no doubt in my mind that Xavi would make Kobbie the first player on his team sheet as he is the most Barcelona style midfielder in our team.
Martinez, Mazraoui, Yoro, Amad, Cunha, Zirkzee would all work well as technical profiles. After that though. who do you look to that would play his style. It might be another rebuild which we can't afford right now.
Long term his philosophy might work and we finally might play the attractive football that we all are hoping will return. Question is, can we take another risk?
What's everyone's thoughts who would you prefer?
30 Sep 2025 15:31:21
Looking forward to replies to this.
30 Sep 2025 15:43:43
1st off, they would be a "Coach", there is a difference, and 2nd we don't have a vacancy.
30 Sep 2025 15:56:01
Any manager that comes in may get some quick wins with a tweak to the system, but needs to make sure that they are able to ultimately get the team playing the system / way they want.
Glasner, would fit the direction we are currently going with probably a bit more flexibility/ pragmatism. He will still need new players in the same positions to really kick on.
Xavi, would likely go 433 (although I think he has played with 3 at the back previously as well. He would bring the Barcelona idea (alothough may take a while to get there) and Mainoo would be licking his lips at Xavi coming in and I coiuld see a lot of the yougsters being developed - Shea Lacey and the Fletcher boys spring to mind.
Southgate - No thanks.
30 Sep 2025 16:36:00
Xavi all day long, but from your list Martinez or Amad possibly Mazouri won’t get near a Xavi team, neither does Ugarte, Bruno does without doubt as does Cass, Mainoo, I reckon he would take the challenge too and commands immediate respect.
Glasner I think the personality does not lend itself to United and the constant pressure may also be a problem, it’s one thing leading palace to all the wins as underdog but when expected to win and huge ego’s and constant pressure may also I have concerns.
Xavi dealt with the biggest ego’s at Barcelona and was quite brilliant.
30 Sep 2025 16:54:36
One question - which system suits the players that we have? If anything did, it wouldn't be 12 years since the last PL trophy.
30 Sep 2025 17:01:02
I’m unconvinced by Xavi.
I’d sound out De Zerbi, Howe and Iraola first.
I like Glasner but I am beyond done with 3 at the back.
Palace with Wharton are a cheat code.
30 Sep 2025 18:28:53
Not convinced by Xavi…. he won la liga in first season against the odds… playing great football and played and won everything under some great managers, if nothing else that commands respect…where the others altogether not exactly won much or ever managed a big club either.
In my eyes Xavi much less of a risk than any of those mentioned….
30 Sep 2025 21:23:05
Amorim.
30 Sep 2025 21:35:47
Mainoo is average at best currently maybe he can become a great player but my doubts with his mobility and lacklustre pressure. Every one thinks he can be the difference but he’s done nothing on any sub app to show anything’s positive. I think he would probably suit the Italian league maybe on loan.