‘Don’t go to War with United’ Xavi Implores Mourinho

‘Don’t go to War with United’ Xavi Implores Mourinho

As Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United reign plunges into chaos following Sunday’s 4-0 hammering at former club Chelsea, Spain legend Xavi has asked the Portuguese not to go to war to solve the crisis in his team.

Ex-Barcelona star Xavi, knows the dark arts of Mourinho only too well, having squared up to him during the Special One’s time in charge of rivals Real Madrid, and he fears the manager will revert to type with his back against the wall, Mirror writes.

“Sometimes, when things don’t go well for Mourinho, he wants war not football – like when he was at Madrid – and I hope we don’t see that again in England.”

Mourinho’s rivalry with City manager Pep Guardiola soured during the Clasico days in Spain, and Xavi fears history will repeat itself in Manchester ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup clash at Old Trafford – a game neither manager can afford to lose.

“When I knew they would be rival coaches again, I knew it would be good for football,” said Xavi.

“I knew it would be especially good for English football. They’re two of the best coaches in the world and their duel can be the best in football.”

Guardiola struck the first blow with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in the Premier League, extending his head-to-head advantage over the Portuguese.

“Both coaches are going to want to win this game,” said Xavi. “I don’t believe this is a competition they will not take seriously.

“The domestic competitions have to be everything for United and Mourinho this season. I don’t think this season they can win the Premier League. These competitions are their hope for a trophy.

“Once Mourinho has had another transfer window, maybe they’ll be ready, but for now they must secure a finish in a Champions Leauge spot – that’s where United belong.”