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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Will Unwin

From academy to Champions League: next manager’s Manchester United in-tray

Jack Fletcher, Jason Wilcox, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro.
Jack Fletcher, Jason Wilcox, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro. Composite: Guardian Picture Desk

Align with the hierarchy

Whatever the protestations from Manchester United about the relationship between Ruben Amorim and the higher-ups not collapsing like a house of cards, clearly something was not right. The head coach became increasingly open that something was amiss after chats with Jason Wilcox. The director of football has not covered himself in glory at the club, but he and the chief executive, Omar Berrada, remain while another head coach departs. Conversations with potential replacements need to centre on everyone being on the same page. There were disagreements over tactics and recruitment, which created tension Old Trafford could ill afford. Nothing will be fixed overnight, meaning the incoming coach needs explicit guidelines on what is required and must offer a clear path on how tactics and style will meet expectations. Season-by-season ambitions should be set, allowing everyone to be held accountable, instead of the blame being foisted on one man.

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