There was tension between Ruben Amorim and Jason Wilcox before the Portuguese coach was sent on his marching orders at Manchester United.
Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim on Monday and have begun the search for a new interim head coach, with Darren Fletcher taking charge for Wednesday night’s trip to Burnley in the Premier League.
A decision on the next head coach is not expected until the summer. This gives the United board time to identify the right man to take the team forward.
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As football director, Jason Wilcox is expected to play a key role in appointing Amorim’s successor. A lot has been written about his relationship with Amorim in recent weeks, amid fears over the tactics being used in games when the 40-year-old persisted with a back three system.
The reason for Amorim’s sacking was the results, but United fans feel there was more to their sudden decision than that.
Amorim challenged Ineos chiefs following United’s 1-1 draw against Leeds.
Jason Wilcox and Ruben Amorim had a good relationship until the end
It was clear after Amorim’s outburst at Elland Road that relations were at a breaking point.
Amorim was seemingly upset with his tactics being questioned and felt Wilcox and co overstepped their mark by requesting a change in formations.
It is understood that Wilcox felt United should revert to a back four system, while Amorim wanted to be left to do his job as head coach without any cross-examination.
On the latest Ranks FC podcast, reliable reporter Dean Jones revealed what he has heard about Amorim’s relationship with Wilcox for the majority of the time they worked together.
“But those two actually got on pretty well,” Jones said.
“Like throughout the time together, I understand that they had pretty much daily briefings, like they have to coffee together, like we’ve seen pictures of them at train stations laughing together.
“Wilcox has been a fan of his, like he hasn’t been telling him throughout his reign he had to change tactics.”
How will YOU remember Ruben Amorim? What is his LEGACY at Man Utd?
This is yet another example that shows how quickly things change in football.
Ruben Amorim sacking puts Jason Wilcox into the spotlight
After playing a key role in the appointment of Amorim, just 14 months before being part of the reason they had to sack him, all eyes should be on Wilcox.
This isn’t the start to life as United’s football director he wanted.
It was Wilcox who opted to appoint a back-three fundamentalist, despite United never playing a back-three system in the club’s history.
Wilcox has a lot of questions to ask.
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