Mansion Sports – Manchester United football director Jason Wilcox has outlined new objectives to the first-team squad following the dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim.

At present, the Red Devils sit seventh in the Premier League table and are still without a permanent manager, with Darren Fletcher serving as interim head coach.

Wilcox is reported to have clashed with Amorim toward the end of his tenure. He has now set out the primary targets the club must pursue for the remainder of the 2025–2026 season.

Wilcox Communicates New Premier League Target to United Squad

According to reports from The Sun, Wilcox gathered the first-team players in a meeting after Amorim was officially dismissed.

During the meeting, he stated that qualification for the Champions League remains within reach if the team can maintain focus until the end of the season.

Wilcox believes that a top-five finish could be sufficient to secure a Champions League place, based on UEFA coefficient rankings.

He also told the players that while the season has been disappointing under Amorim, with nearly half of the campaign still remaining, the opportunity to return to Europe’s elite competition remains very much alive.

Liverpool currently occupy fourth place despite inconsistent performances, while Brentford have climbed to fifth on the back of impressive form led by Igor Thiago.

Manchester United are just one point behind and sit below Newcastle United on goal difference.

Wilcox’s Message to Manchester United Players Revealed

An internal source quoted by The Sun revealed that Wilcox addressed the players directly following Amorim’s departure.

He explained that despite the frustrations experienced throughout the season, the players are being encouraged to unite and maintain positive performances during the second half of the campaign.

Champions League qualification has been set as the primary objective and is considered a realistic goal.

The message delivered to the squad emphasized that this target can be achieved if all players demonstrate commitment and consistency.

Source Reveals Internal Issues Behind the Scenes

Another source also disclosed the internal dynamics that emerged as Amorim’s tenure began to deteriorate following a series of negative results.

A shift in atmosphere was said to have become noticeable after the dramatic 4-4 draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on 15 December.

According to the source, Amorim appeared affected by that result, and the mood at the training ground subsequently changed.

His attitude and approach were perceived as different, something several players noticed and regarded as the beginning of the end of his tenure.

The situation surrounding Kobbie Mainoo also came under scrutiny. The young midfielder became increasingly marginalized under Amorim, which had an impact on the rapid development he had shown over the previous 12 months.

Mainoo is reported to have felt frustrated, having previously broken into the first team and achieved success with a particular style of play, only to then be asked by Amorim to operate in a completely different approach that did not suit his strengths.

Champions League Challenge for United Without a Permanent Manager

The future of the managerial position at Manchester United remains uncertain, and it is highly likely that the appointment of a new permanent manager will take place next summer.

Several names, including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, and current interim coach Darren Fletcher, are reportedly being considered to lead the team until the end of the season.

Wilcox’s call for the team to push for a top-four or top-five finish is undoubtedly more difficult to realize amid uncertainty on the bench.

However, there is a positive aspect, as their Champions League qualification rivals, Chelsea, are also in a transitional period after appointing Liam Rosenior as a replacement for Enzo Maresca.

Both clubs have failed to capitalize on opportunities to secure a top-four position, and that situation has resulted in managerial changes that they must now navigate.