Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United after falling out with senior figures, including sporting director Jason Wilcox.
Just a few months ago, Manchester United’s hierarchy rallied behind Ruben Amorim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe hinted that he would be given three years to prove himself.
Reports claimed that Amorim was working well with Jason Wilcox behind the scenes, but it unravelled over a dramatic weekend with the 1-1 draw against Leeds at the very centre of it.
What is your honest opinion of Jason Wilcox and his role as director of football?
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Amorim struck out at the board and claimed he wanted to be “manager” and not a “head coach”. Less than 24 hours later, it was confirmed that Amorim had been sacked.
It has been suggested that Wilcox wanted Amorim to change formations and that shouldn’t come as a surprise given his past comments.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty ImagesJason Wilcox admits he interferes with tactics
Wilcox was chosen to succeed Dan Ashworth as United’s sporting director after the latter was sacked just five months after his appointment.
It was reported that Wilcox has a unique game model, and it seems he was trying to nudge Amorim in that direction.
As per The Athletic, back in September, Jason Wilcox told the United former players’ association: “I’m a coach at heart.
Ruben Amorim’s BIGGEST MISTAKE at Manchester United was ________________
✍️ Fill in the blank…
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
“That’s a strength in my role now but also causes me a bit of a problem because I always want to interfere in what the managers are doing.”
Wilcox is clearly aware that he steps on the toes of managers, and ultimately, that is what led to the complete breakdown in his relationship with Amorim.
Jason Wilcox must not overstep his Man United role
The nature of Amorim’s sacking means that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s reputation is damaged for the next head coach who is brought to Old Trafford.
Trust in the ownership is deteriorating, and no head coach will want to step into a club where the director is trying to dictate a tactical approach.
In his final press conference, Amorim said: “In every department – the scouting department, the sporting director needs to do their job, I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on.”
In hindsight, it feels like a clear message that Amorim wanted Wilcox to step back and focus on his responsibilities at the club and allow the coaching staff to coach.
Moving forward, Ineos cannot allow Wilcox to make the same mistake.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox