Man Utd dressing room given reality check in private meeting after Amorim exit

Ruben Amorim saw a disastrous spell at Manchester United brought to an end earlier this month after a breakdown in his relationship with director of football Jason Wilcox

Manchester United chiefs STILL want a place in the Champions League despite Ruben Amorim’s departure earlier this week. The Red Devils decided to sack the Portuguese coach on Monday, bringing his underwhelming 14-month reign at Old Trafford to an end.

United failed to qualify for any form of European football last season under Amorim’s watch, but they raised expectations with a huge summer transfer outlay, with their attack undergoing a rigorous £200million transformation. United currently sit seventh in the Premier League, albeit three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool – and club chiefs have underlined that they want a place in the Champions League next season, with or without Amorim.

A source told The Sun said: “[Jason] Wilcox (director of football) has spoken with the players in the wake of Amorim’s departure. 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 in the second half of the season.

“Qualifying for the Champions League is the target and it’s attainable. That was the message.”

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim spotted in Portugal as ex-Man Utd boss tipped for new job days after exitREAD MORE: Bruno Fernandes’ Man Utd transfer plan is already clear amid fresh exit claim

Wilcox’s message comes after CEO Omar Berrada claimed that it was United’s target to win the Premier League within the next three years. Speaking in the summer, the former Manchester City chief said: “It’s establishing a series of targets within a timeframe so we can focus our efforts and energy on that goal.

“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? Why not do everything in our power?”

United’s aim for Premier League glory appears to be remote as it stands, particularly with a lack of manager. Darren Fletcher is currently in caretaker charge at Old Trafford, albeit talks are ongoing with former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer regarding a second interim stint.

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Former coach Amorim’s departure appeared to centre around a breakdown in relationship with Wilcox. It is suggested that the latter compared his own role to that of a manager, something that infuriated the Portuguese tactician and led to his bizarre rant in the aftermath of the draw against Leeds.

United take a break from their Premier League commitments as they welcome Brighton to Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round. They then take on cross-city rivals Manchester City next weekend.

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