New Man United manager’s checklist ahead of potential job as club must learn to play without fear and harness their young players.
From academy to Champions League: New manager’s Manchester United in-tray.
It was obvious that something was wrong, despite Manchester United’s claims that the relationship between Ruben Amorim and the higher-ups was not falling apart like a house of cards. After speaking with Jason Wilcox, the head coach became more candid about the problem. While another head coach leaves the team, the director of football and Omar Berrada, the club’s top executive, stay. The focus of discussions with possible replacements should be on getting everyone on the same page.
Since nothing will be resolved overnight, the new coach must provide clear instructions on what is expected of them as well as a clear path for how tactics and style will satisfy expectations.
Kobbie Mainoo was left out, which hindered his growth and decreased his worth. He is one of the most gifted young players on the continent, yet eighteen months ago he was not accidentally participating in a European Championship final. While Mainoo might remain the focal centre of United’s midfield for ten years, Casemiro, who turns 34 in February, won’t be able to play in the Premier League for very long. Mainoo should be an essential member of the XI and his abilities should be highlighted rather than his alleged flaws.
After extended stretches of passivity, the 20-year-old’s vitality and ability to move the team up the pitch should be appreciated. Due to his lack of opportunities, Mainoo is unlikely to sign a new contract anytime soon and has not yet made an appearance in the Premier League this season. For the benefit of both him and the club, this must alter. United should be proud to have a young man from the area who has leadership potential.
It is dangerous to ignore the United Academy. Alejandro Garnacho, Dean Henderson, and Scott McTominay have all advanced in recent summers, but United has declined. Amorim ignored the following generation until he had to cover the bench with teenagers due to absences, giving Bendito Mantato, Shea Lacey, and Jack Fletcher their debuts.
The under-18s coach, Darren Fletcher, will most likely continue this approach in his interim role. Although he only took on an academy position in the summer, he has seen his twin kids play for United throughout their careers and is familiar with the other players. Building a solid foundation that develops together could be beneficial because it might take years for United to fulfil their goals of competing for the league title and European accolades.
Despite losing to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup, United is currently ranked sixth in the Premier League, which is not terrible given their 15th-place finish from the previous season. They trail fourth-place Liverpool by three points, and the top five will most likely make it to the Champions League. It would be like securing cutlery if you finished in one of those slots.
The team needs to rediscover the demands of playing twice a week against elite opponents, even though they may not be able to compete in Europe’s top club tournament. The financial boost would undoubtedly be appreciated by the club. This season’s absence from Europe was troublesome because the team still needs to be invested in.