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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.
Find a role for Mainoo
Leaving out Kobbie Mainoo stifled the midfielder’s development and reduced his value. He was not playing in a European Championship final 18 months ago by accident; he is one of the continent’s most talented youngsters. Casemiro is 34 in February and will not be able to perform in the Premier League for much longer, whereas Mainoo could be the centre point of United’s midfield for a decade. Rather than highlighting Mainoo’s perceived weaknesses, his strengths need to be celebrated and he should be an integral part of the XI. He loves to get on the ball and United turn it over too quickly. The 20-year-old brings dynamism and progresses the team up the pitch, something that should be valued after lengthy periods of meekness. Mainoo is yet to start this season in the Premier League and is unwilling to sign a new contract in the foreseeable future because of his lack of opportunities. This needs to change for the good of him and the club. United should revel in having a local lad who is a potential leader.
Harness the academy
Ignoring the United academy is perilous. Scott McTominay, Dean Henderson and Alejandro Garnacho have moved on in recent summers, while United have regressed. Amorim overlooked the next generation until absentees made him fill the bench with teenagers, offering debuts to Jack Fletcher, Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato. Darren Fletcher, the under-18s coach, will almost certainly carry on this process during his interim tenure. He moved into an academy role only in the summer, but has watched his twin sons at United throughout their journeys and knows the other players well. It could take United years to achieve their ambitions to challenge for the league title and European honours, so creating a steady base that grows together could be advantageous. It would give further hope to the next generation that their futures could be at a vibrant Old Trafford.
Qualify for the Champions League
United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby, but they sit sixth in the Premier League, not a bad situation considering last season’s 15th-placed finish. They are three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool and the top five will almost certainly qualify for the Champions League. Finishing in one of those slots would be like securing silverware. Even though the squad are not necessarily capable of competing in Europe’s premier club competition, they need to relearn the rigours of playing twice a week against high quality opposition. The club would certainly welcome the financial bonus. Not being in Europe this season was problematic because investment in the squad remains necessary.
Remove the fear and entertain
A new coach needs to lift the weight of the badge off the players to instigate real change. Winning one of the past five home games is a pathetic record that has taken in a defeat by 10-man Everton and draws against an out-of-form Bournemouth and the relegation candidates West Ham and Wolves. Setting up defensively against sides who barely know how to win was a great irritant to supporters, who have moved from apathetic to pessimistic. The team constantly look worried that a mistake will lead to an opposition goal and more defeats, rather than thinking risk could bring reward. Turning two of those recent Old Trafford draws into wins would have taken United above Liverpool. The successes under Sir Alex Ferguson are long gone and will not be replicated, regardless of how many times people nostalgically refer to them. The next coach needs to escape the shadow of their failing predecessors by bringing hope of a brighter future with entertaining and expansive football. Fans will be more sympathetic to a team they enjoy watching – a concept that is becoming alien – even if results do not match.
