Manchester United have accomplished Champions League qualification under Michael Carrick, but a certain Barcelona legend may halt his chances of becoming the Red's next permanent manager.
Who would you like to see as the next Manchester United manager?
After the sacking of Rúben Amorim in January, Manchester United are without a permanent manager for next season's campaign.
Since Amorim left the Reds, former United midfielder Michael Carrick has taken charge and has vastly improved proceedings at the club.
The 44-year-old has reverted to a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, with players like Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo playing in their recognised positions.
The Reds have secured Champions League qualification for next season after a thrilling 3-2 win against Liverpool on Sunday. Attention now turns to who the board will appoint as the long-term manager.
Xavi 'proposed' to United
After a somewhat successful stint at Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez has been without a managerial role for approximately two years now and has since been linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs.
His departure from Barcelona was arguably harsh, after he had won a La Liga title and a Spanish League Cup in his two-and-a-half-year stint, but failure to challenge in Europe and a deteriorating squad led to his dismissal.
Xavi was linked with the United job after both Erik ten Hag and Amorim were sacked, but failed to secure the role. His lack of management experience is a deterrent, but his credibility in his playing career and his short stint as Barca boss may be enticing.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Xavi held talks with United in recent months about the job, with the Spaniard having been proposed to the Reds earlier this year.
"I can also reveal to you that Xavi was proposed to Manchester United since January as an option for the job," the Italian journalist said on YouTube.
"But Manchester United decided Michael Carrick interim coach - and now Michael Carrick big chance to continue at the club. Xavi would love to be in the Premier League."
Nothing is concrete as of now, as Jason Wilcox and the rest of the board will be patient in deciding on the next permanent United manager, yet growing confidence in Carrick has pushed his potential appointment forward.
Is Carrick the right man?
Despite interest from some of Europe's top managers, such as Xavi, the current interim manager, Carrick, is continuing the club's fantastic run of form, leading to speculation about whether he is the right man to take the club forward.
The former Red has led United to thirteen wins during his tenure, drawing two and losing two in the process, and has recently secured Champions League qualification. All these factors have vastly improved the club's situation.
What discredits Carrick as a serious long-term candidate is his lack of managerial experience, having only managed Middelsborough in a permanent role. The 44-year-old falls short when it comes to experience.
That said, it's becoming increasingly hard to ignore Carrick for the long-term role. The improvement in form has prompted many United players to endorse Carrick's appointment: "In my opinion, he completely deserves it," to use Casemiro's comments, for example.
Whoever the board appoint as the permanent manager will need to be in for the long haul, the club cannot afford to sack another manager midway through the season, especially with an imperative Champions League campaign next year.