Jason Wilcox Acknowledges the Need for Patience in Manchester United’s Rebuild
Manchester United’s football director, Jason Wilcox, has acknowledged that there is no “quick fix” for the club’s problems. In a recent statement, Wilcox emphasized the importance of patience in the team’s rebuilding process.
Wilcox, who joined United in 2024 amid significant changes in the leadership structure, has witnessed the team’s struggles on the field. The team is currently in 14th position in the Premier League, following the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.
This situation adds to a complicated 2024-25 season. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe met with coach Amorim, as well as Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, to discuss the team’s situation.
“This club is a wonderful football club and I feel extremely privileged. I only pray that we have the opportunity to turn things around. I really feel it’s not ‘if we will win again’, but ‘when we will win again’.”
Jason Wilcox
In a rare public appearance, Wilcox highlighted the magnitude of United’s problems and the need for patience. “It’s going to take time, it’s not a quick fix, especially now with the profitability and sustainability regulations. We needed to change the squad. We’ve made some very good additions this summer,” he stated.Jason Wilcox, alongside Benjamin Sesko, one of the summer signings, hopes to have time to help Manchester United recover.Wilcox also emphasized the importance of rebuilding the culture and respect at the club. “We have to try to bring the culture and respect back to Man United. Whether you work for Man United or play against Man United, you feel like you’re part of something special. That’s what we’re trying to bring,” he added.
The United had a busy summer, with five new signings and eleven departures from the first team, despite not qualifying for Europe. Wilcox explained the need for some cost-cutting measures, including layoffs.
“It’s been a rollercoaster,” Wilcox added. “I came in last April, so I’ve been here just over 18 months and it’s been a real challenge. I’m not going to lie, I thought the club was in a much better place than it was. We had no footballing identity, we lacked alignment between ownership and the CEO in terms of football and the academy.”
“We’ve been working very hard behind the scenes, there’s a lot of work that has been done to change the staff. I know there’s a lot of coverage in the media about layoffs and things like that, but the football club needed to go through a period of transformation. Without a doubt. Forget about the layoffs, the entire structure of Manchester United needed to change. It’s really sad to see people lose their jobs, but it was an exercise that had to be done. Now we have a platform to rebuild.”
