The departure of Ruben Amorim has left Manchester United at another critical juncture, with the club's hierarchy facing a familiar set of challenges. The next permanent manager at Old Trafford will inherit a squad sitting sixth in the Premier League, a disillusioned fanbase, and a pressing need for a coherent long-term vision. The task is not merely to secure results, but to rebuild a culture and identity that has been eroding for years.
Establishing Hierarchy Alignment and Clear Vision
Reports suggest a fundamental misalignment between Ruben Amorim and the football leadership, specifically director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, contributed to the manager's exit. This underscores the most immediate priority for the club: ensuring the next appointment is fully aligned with the sporting department's philosophy.
Disagreements over tactics and recruitment created tensions the club could ill afford. To avoid a repeat, the incoming coach must be given explicit guidelines on expectations while presenting a clear tactical blueprint. The club must move away from a cycle of blame and instead establish realistic season-by-season ambitions, creating accountability across the entire football operation rather than leaving one man to shoulder all responsibility.
Building Around Kobbie Mainoo and Academy Talent
A glaring issue under Amorim was the treatment of prodigious midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old, who starred in a European Championship final just 18 months ago, has yet to start a Premier League game this season and is reportedly hesitant to sign a new contract due to limited opportunities. This situation must be reversed urgently.
Mainoo's dynamism and ability to progress the ball are attributes United have sorely lacked during periods of meek, fearful football. With Casemiro turning 34 and in decline, Mainoo represents the potential midfield cornerstone for the next decade. The next manager must build the team around his strengths, not highlight perceived weaknesses.
Furthermore, ignoring the academy pipeline has proven perilous. The sales of Scott McTominay, Dean Henderson, and Alejandro Garnacho coincided with the team's regression. While Amorim eventually handed debuts to youngsters like Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, it was often out of necessity. Interim coach Darren Fletcher, who knows the academy intimately, may continue this integration. Cultivating a core of homegrown players offers a sustainable route back to competitiveness.
Securing Champions League Football and Removing Fear
On the pitch, the primary objective is clear: qualification for the Champions League. United are currently three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, with a top-five finish likely securing a spot. After finishing 15th last season, sixth represents progress, but the target must be Europe's top table. The financial boost and the experience of elite midweek football are crucial for the club's rebuild.
To achieve this, the new coach must immediately address the palpable fear gripping the squad. A record of just one win in the last five home games, including defeats and draws against struggling sides, is unacceptable. The team has been setting up defensively against inferior opposition, paralysed by the fear that a mistake will lead to defeat.
This cautious approach has turned apathy into pessimism in the stands. Fans would be more sympathetic to a team playing entertaining, expansive football, even if results are inconsistent. Turning just two of those recent Old Trafford draws into wins would have lifted United above Liverpool, demonstrating how a shift in mentality could yield immediate rewards. The shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson's era is long gone; the next manager must create a new, hopeful future based on modern football principles, not nostalgia.
