Manchester United’s director of football Jason Wilcox has shed further light on how the club intends to navigate future transfer windows and why there are signs of progress at Old Trafford.
United’s recent turnaround in form has seen Ruben Amorim start an impressive run of four games unbeaten. This included a three-game winning streak in the Premier League, the first time the club achieved the feat under him.
The Portuguese manager marked his first year at United by seeing his team pull out a late draw against Nottingham Forest. After a turbulent 12 months for Amorim, signs appear to be pointing the way around the corner at Old Trafford, but what have we learned from Wilcox’s assessment of United and his vision for their future?
Wilcox believes “progress is being made in all areas.”
United are getting better. Last season, their worst ever finish of 15th in the Premier League did little to inspire confidence at Old Trafford going into the new season.
However, after a change in squad over the summer, there are currently green shoots that suggest things are moving in the right direction.
United currently sit eighth in the Premier League, closing in on a top-five finish that would secure a return to Europe. Amorim’s side can move up to second place in the Premier League if they beat Tottenham in Saturday’s lunchtime meeting.
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Sky Sports’ Danial Khan looks at the statistical differences between Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side and former manager Erik ten Hag’s team from last season.
“The most important thing is that internally we know what to do,” Wilcox told Manchester United’s official channels.
“We know where we are as a group, the players understand that and are making progress on and off the pitch.
“I spoke to MUTV last week and when we say we are moving forward in terms of processes, facilities, structures and staff, all we have to do is, despite all the noise, just stay calm and understand that we are moving in a positive direction.
“There will be bumps in the road, but it is important not to get too excited or too disappointed and to smooth out the bumps.
“I really feel that this football club is moving in the right direction at the moment. This is my own personal view. It’s not a biased view just because I work here.”
“If you think about the athletic department, we’re making progress in every area.”
Manchester United are working to rebuild and establish their identity
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Cristiano Ronaldo gave his honest thoughts on Manchester United in an interview with Piers Morgan. Credit: Piers Morgan Uncensored on YouTube
In an interview aired on Tuesday, Cristiano Ronaldo gave a scathing review of United’s current lack of identity and structure. Amorim has also come under a lot of scrutiny as they are thought to have a strict 3-4-3 system. However, Wilcox disagrees and believes the ongoing work is helping to establish United’s identity and game model.
“We have to continue to build the spirit,” Wilcox said.
“Build on Ruben’s ideas. He has very clear ideas. It’s much more flexible than people give him credit for.”
“We need to start with the end in mind and understand that the game model of what kind of team Manchester United are is very important.
“And we have to put the jigsaw together. We want to put all the pieces in a place where we can see a very clear picture.”
“But while we are building the picture, it is very important. When you lose a football game, it becomes even more difficult because people start to question things. But we, myself, Ruben, Omar (Berrada) and the ownership are really clear. We are really clear about the direction we need to go. And this is really important.”
How transportation works at Old Trafford
For many years, transfers were a mystery at Old Trafford. United have always been proactive in the window, but the opaque nature of United’s transfer strategy has left the door open for criticism, with deals reported to be slow or off target.
But Wilcox has lifted the lid on how United’s hierarchy is working with head coach Amorim to facilitate transfers.
Manchester United’s new signing has made a strong start at Old Trafford.
“The brief will be submitted by me and Ruben,” Wilcox said.
“That went to Chris[Vivell]and there was a lot of discussion and debate about what we needed and then the scouts would be put on the market.
“Combining that with the data team, they have a continuous dialogue. Currently, I have weekly meetings with the recruitment team on different profiles.
“Could different age groups and costs be achieved similarly in Leuven? So this is a truly collaborative approach.
“When we sign a player, there are so many people involved in that process, and the data team is involved in that process as well.
“Then we will focus all our attention on a particular player. And it is very important to do a background check.”
“Are they professionals who have a clean living? This is very important. This year we focused on players who are Premier League ready.”
“Certainly because we have Brian (Mbeumo) and Matheus (Cunha), we couldn’t take too many risks in this area.
“We had very little time in transition and needed a player who could play in continuity. Senne (Lamence), we are always looking at goalkeepers with great potential and Senne was available. We decided to transfer, but it was not a natural reaction.”
“Tony Cotton[Man United’s goalkeeper scout]had been eyeing Sene for 12 months and he was relentless about it.
“‘This player is going to be a top signing for us and he’s off to a good start but he’s got to keep it going. He’s very thoughtful and very professional in his approach.’
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Let’s take a look back at Senne Lamence’s confident Premier League debut against Manchester United and Sunderland.
Wilcox identifies ‘right’ signing for Man United and promises investment
Summer signings Matheus Cunha, Brian Mbeumo and Senne Lamence have all contributed to United’s improvement, with fans impressed not only by their performances but also by their attitude.
Jason Wilcox promises to invest in the ‘right’ players
Sky Sports News understands United will make signing a new midfielder a key target for next summer. January is not expected to be busy as the club invested heavily in the squad in the previous period. However, the club continues to work on the market for next summer.
United’s recent transfer success has led Wilcox to suggest this trend will continue at Old Trafford, as the club aim to reach the top of the Premier League and compete in Europe.
“We have a clear plan,” Wilcox told United’s website.
“We know what we have to do and the areas where the team has to improve.
“If we are to be in the top four and continue to challenge for Champions League qualification, winning the Champions League and winning the Premier League, we need to invest in the team.
“We have to get the right players, the right players who are not only talented but can handle pressure and take the team forward. We don’t just sign elite talent all the time. They have to be people with the right character and who can bring something different to the team.”
