Manchester United chiefs have reiterated their ambition to secure Champions League qualification this season, despite the departure of manager Ruben Amorim earlier this week. The Portuguese coach was sacked on Monday after a disappointing 14-month tenure, leaving the club seventh in the Premier League, three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
Director of football Jason Wilcox held a private meeting with the squad following Amorim's exit, urging players to rally together and maintain good form in the second half of the campaign. A source told The Sun: 'Wilcox has spoken with the players... He’s explained that the season has had some disappointments so far, but urged the players to come together and try and sustain some good form. Qualifying for the Champions League is the target and it’s attainable.'
The message aligns with CEO Omar Berrada's earlier declaration that United aim to win the Premier League by 2028. Speaking in the summer, Berrada said: 'Can the team win the Premier League title by 2028? Of course. We've just finished 15th and it seems an impossible task. But why not aim for it?'
Amorim's exit reportedly stemmed from a breakdown in his relationship with Wilcox, who allegedly compared his own role to that of a manager, infuriating the former boss. Darren Fletcher has taken caretaker charge, with talks ongoing for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to return as interim manager. United face Brighton in the FA Cup third round before a derby against Manchester City.
