The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast How to fix Man United in the short term
18 snips
Jan 8, 2026 
Michael Cox, renowned football tactics writer, joins Liam Tharme, a tactics journalist, and Mark Carey from the data department to dissect Manchester United’s recent turmoil. They analyze Ruben Amorim's predictable sacking and debate the weaknesses of his system. The trio discusses the challenges of caretaker managers and the complexities of succession planning. They also examine the risks of appointing insiders and the criteria for finding a fitting manager, revealing that many top coaches are already committed elsewhere.
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Amorim's Appointment Always Looked Fragile
- Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United always felt unlikely to succeed given misfits between system and squad.
- Michael Cox says the timing of his exit was unsurprising because the work 'wasn't really going anywhere.'
Use Caretakers To Steady The Ship
- Use a caretaker to 'steady the ship' and reconnect players and fans to the club's identity.
- Michael Cox argues caretakers should be known and respected inside the club to get immediate buy-in.
The 'Know The Club' Trap
- Clubs risk recycling former players-turned-coaches who 'know the club' too well and cannot reinvent it.
- Mark Carey warns that Manchester United may be trapped in a cycle of believing one appointment will restore past glories.