Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has cautioned the club's next interim manager that securing a European spot must be the primary objective for the remainder of the season. With the team currently seventh in the Premier League and trailing fourth-placed Liverpool by three points, only a strong league finish can salvage a place in the Europa League or Champions League.
Jones spoke out after Darren Fletcher's interim tenure began with a draw against Burnley and an FA Cup exit to Brighton. The club's chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are now searching for a new boss until the end of the season, with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer among the leading candidates.
“It's difficult, it's been difficult for a number of months now. Now is the time to get some stability back in the football club,” Jones said on Match of the Day. “Whoever comes in, the aim has to be to finish in those Europa League spaces or the Champions League.”
Interim manager Fletcher admitted uncertainty about his future following the Brighton loss, stating he had received no indication from the club about whether he would remain in charge. “I have to report tomorrow morning to Carrington. That's all I know,” he said.
