Xavi backs Sheikh Jassim for Manchester United, says ‘doors always open’ to Lionel Messi at Barcelona

Manchester United’s possible new owner Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani “would be a very good option” for the club, says Barcelona boss Xavi.

Xavi got to know Sheikh Jassim from his time playing and managing Qatari club Al Sadd, from 2015 to 2021.

“I have a good relationship with the Sheikh and he’s a serious, responsible person and I think he would do a good job,” Xavi said.

“I know him so well. I think he’s a very good person with responsibility, serious.

“I think it would be a very good option for United.”

Xavi soon turned to footballing matters in his pre-match comments, with Lionel Messi once more on the agenda.

Xavi has previously been open about his close relationship with Messi, and the Blaugrana boss confirmed that a return to Barcelona for the World Cup winner – who served the club with such distinction until his departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 – is something he is willing to consider.

“I’ve said it more than once, the doors are always open for him,” Xavi said.

“He is a friend, and we are in permanent contact. It will depend on what he wants to do, and also on what fits the club.

“He’s the best player in history, he’d always fit in.”

Ahead of Thursday’s fixture at Old Trafford, with the tie in the balance after a 2-2 first-leg draw, Xavi warned of the threat from the red-hot Marcus Rashford, who he labelled as the “difference maker” for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Xavi said: “He [Rashford] is an exceptional player, in great form, scoring goals.

“He’s the difference-maker for United. But that’s it. We’ll try to do what we always do defensively and show our personality.

“But he’s a player we need to take an eye on.”