Wilcox demands Champions League push for Man Utd after Amorim exit

Goal reports Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox told the first-team squad a new target for the season after the club sacked head coach Ruben Amorim. United sit seventh in the Premier League and are currently without a permanent manager, with Darren Fletcher acting as interim boss.

According to The Sun, Wilcox gathered the players and said a Champions League place was "within their grasp" if they "focus" for the remainder of the campaign, adding that a top-five finish would likely be enough based on UEFA coefficient rankings. He reportedly described the season under Amorim as "disappointing" but said there is nearly half the season left and he still hopes United can return to Europe's premier club competition. Liverpool are fourth, Brentford fifth after a strong run, and United sit just a point worse off, below Newcastle on goal difference.

Sources cited by The Sun also pointed to behind-the-scenes issues as Amorim's reign soured, saying the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on December 15 changed the training-ground atmosphere and that midfielder Kobbie Mainoo fell out of favour. The club's managerial future remains uncertain; reports suggest a permanent appointment may not arrive until next summer and several names are being considered for the remainder of the campaign, a factor that complicates any top-four push amid the current instability.

Key Topics

Sports, Jason Wilcox, Ruben Amorim, Manchester United, Champions League, Kobbie Mainoo