Xavi once 'genuinely thought' about joining Manchester United as things weren't going well for him as a youngster at Barcelona.
United take on Barcelona in what looks set to be a fascinating Europa League tie on Thursday as manager Xavi comes up against the club he twice beat in Champions League finals but once considered signing for.
Of course, the legendary midfielder never did arrive at Old Trafford and instead went on to become one of the game's greats at the Camp Nou and with the Spanish national team, winning every possible trophy for both.
But before he became the Xavi we know today, he initially struggled to replace Pep Guardiola. Also read: Avram and Joel Glazer exploring possibility of buying out siblings on United board As a teenager, Xavi was tasked with filling the hole the iconic captain had left behind and struggled with the pressure.
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