How to rebuild Manchester United in EA FC 26 as Xavi

Manchester United’s struggles in recent seasons have left fans craving stability, identity, and footballing philosophy. Current manager Rúben Amorim has a patchy campaign so far, leaving Old Trafford eager for a transformative figure. One name linked with this potential revolution is Xavi Hernández, the Barcelona legend and their former manager.

After leading Barcelona to La Liga success with his possession-oriented philosophy, Xavi has earned a reputation for developing young talent and instilling control-based football. Rumours suggest that Manchester United’s hierarchy sees him as the ideal candidate to restore footballing identity to the Theatre of Dreams. But before such a move happens in reality, let’s explore how Xavi might rebuild Manchester United in EA FC 26.

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Transfers: Laying the foundations of Xavi’s Manchester United in EA FC 26

Xavi’s philosophy revolves around positional play, technical excellence, and fluid attacking triangles. To implement this, United’s squad requires significant restructuring. Players who don’t fit a possession-heavy, high-press system need to be sold, while new signings must bring tactical intelligence, pace, and technical skill.

Players to sell from the current Man United squad:

Player	Position	Overall	Potential	Value
André Onana	GK	80	80	$15.5M
Altay Bayındır	GK	75	77	$5.5M
Tom Heaton	GK	67	67	$120K
Tyrell Malacia	LB/LM	75	77	$7M
Luke Shaw	CB/LB/LM	79	79	$16M
Harry Maguire	CB	80	80	$15M
Casemiro	CDM/CM	80	80	$11.5M
Mason Mount	CAM/CM/RW	77	78	$13.5M
Jadon Sancho	LM/RM/LW	80	82	$29M
Marcus Rashford	LM/LW/ST	80	80	$24.5M
Joshua Zirkzee	ST/CAM	77	83	$18.5M

Players to sign for Xavi’s Man United:

Player	Position	Overall	Potential	Team	Value
Pau Torres	CB	80	80	Aston Villa	$20M
Pablo Barrios	CM/ CDM	82	87	Atlético de Madrid	$50.5M
Alejandro Grimaldo	LM/LB/LW	84	84	Bayer Leverkusen	$45M
Marc-André ter Stegen	GK	86	86	Barcelona	$24M
Nico Williams	LM/RM/LW	86	89	Athletic Club	$103M

Note: You can use the above transfer-listed players in deals to sign the recommended players to build Xavi’s Manchester United.

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Formation and Tactics: Building Xavi’s Manchester United identity

Xavi prefers the 4-3-3 (Holding), also known as 4-3-3 (2), which balances possession dominance with attacking flexibility. However, the formation converts to a 4-4-2 with the ball. This formation allows United to maintain control in midfield, press aggressively, and rotate players fluidly.

Player roles and instructions:

Position	Role
GK	Goalkeeper (Balanced)
RB	Fullback (Balanced)
RCB	Defender (Defend)
LCB	Ball-Playing Defender (Defend)
LB	Fullback (Balanced)
CDM	Deep-Lying Playmaker (Defend)
RCM	Half-Winger (Balanced)
LCM	Box-to-Box (Ball-Winning)
RW	Inside Forward (Attack)
ST	Advanced Forward (Attack)
LW	Winger (Versatile)

Custom Tactics:

• Build-Up Style: Counter
• Defensive Approach: High
• Line Height: 60

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Starting XI and Bench: How Xavi’s Manchester United would lineup

The following lineup mirrors Xavi’s blueprint: intelligent defenders, a double pivot of a holding midfielder, and a box-to-box. Meanwhile, the third midfielder acts like a winger and stretches the formation. Williams provides width while Šeško’s movement opens spaces and Mbeumo tucks in to be the second striker.

The team can dominate possession, recycle the ball, and press effectively, which are the cornerstones of Xavi’s football philosophy.

Starting Lineup:

Position	Player	Overall	Rating
GK	Marc-André ter Stegen	86	86
RB	Noussair Mazraoui	80	81
RCB	Matthijs de Ligt	82	84
LCB	Pau Torres	80	80
LB	Alejandro Grimaldo	84	84
CDM	Kobbie Mainoo	77	85
RCM	Bruno Fernandes	87	87
LCM	Pablo Barrios	82	87
RW	Bryan Mbeumo	85	86
ST	Benjamin Šeško	80	88
LW	Nico Williams	86	89

Depth is critical for squad rotation, tactical adjustments, and nurturing young talents, which is essential for Xavi’s system.

Substitutes and Reserves:

Position	Player	Overall	Potential
GK	S. Lammens	78	87
LB/LM	Diego León	64	85
RB/LB/RM	Diogo Dalot	79	81
CB/LB	Ayden Heaven	69	84
LB/LM	Patrick Dorgu	75	84
CB	Lisandro Martínez	81	82
CB	Lenny Yoro	78	86
CDM/CM	Manuel Ugarte	79	83
CAM/RW/RM/CM	Amad Diallo	79	85
CAM/LW/ST	Matheus Cunha	83	85
ST	Rasmus Højlund	76	83
ST	Chido Obi	65	84

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Rebuilding Manchester United under Xavi in EA FC 26 is about restoring identity through tactical intelligence, technical precision, and youth development. The combination of a strong starting XI, versatile bench, and promising academy prospects ensures immediate competitiveness while preparing for the future.

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Read more EA FC 26-related articles:

• 10 Best inside forwards in EA FC 26
• 10 Best advanced forwards in EA FC 26
• 10 Best target forwards in EA FC 26