Next Man Utd boss handed warning over vital end-of-season target

Ex-Manchester United defender Phil Jones has outlined what the club’s next manager should prioritise, with interim boss Darren Fletcher currently in charge following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal

The interim manager of Manchester United has the crucial task of securing a spot in either the Europa League or Champions League, according to former United defender Phil Jones, who emphasises the need for stability at Old Trafford.

Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, Darren Fletcher has taken the reins at the Theatre of Dreams. However, his tenure has got off to a rocky start, with a draw against Burnley and an early FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton.

United’s chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are now set to appoint a new boss until the season’s end. The club has held discussions with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Carrick, a former United and England midfielder, is currently the favourite for the role. Regardless of who steps into the position, Jones insists that qualifying for European competition, which can now only be achieved through league performance, remains a key goal.

Currently, United are seventh in the Premier League, trailing fourth-placed Liverpool by three points.

READ MORE: Man Utd dressing room’s true thoughts on Michael Carrick becoming next boss emergeREAD MORE: Xavi’s Man Utd job conditions revealed for permanent role with interim decision imminent

“It’s difficult, it’s been difficult for a number of months now,” Jones admitted on Match of the Day. “Obviously, Ruben Amorim lost his job. Darren Fletcher has taken the team now, he’s somebody who understands the club, understands what it takes to play for Man United.

“He’s been there through the tough times and the good times, but now is the time to get some stability back in the football club. Whether it’s Darren, and I still think if it is, he’s got more than enough quality and people around him to help until the end of the season, now is the time for some stability, some calmness and try and get some wins and some momentum.

“It’s always two steps forward, one step back, but whoever comes in, whoever takes charge for the rest of the season, the aim has to be to finish in those Europa League spaces or the Champions League.”

Interim manager Fletcher confessed uncertainty about his future when pressed after the Brighton loss.

“I have to report tomorrow morning to Carrington,” he said. “That’s all I know. So, I’ll find out whatever I need to find out tomorrow morning.

“I’ve had zero indication, and because all my energy and focus and concentration has had to be on these two games, in such a quick turnaround, and preparing the team, a three-game week, you know, everything that I said,” Fletcher added.

“So, I genuinely mean that. It’s a massive responsibility to lead this club, and I’ve gave it my best and ultimately I’m disappointed to not be able to win a game or to get a result today.

“But I feel like there were some good things in there. We created a lot of chances, shots, things like that. But, ultimately, it wasn’t enough.

“So I am more disappointed than anybody, really, because I care for the club and I want the club to do well and I want the players to do well.”

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