'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
As the recent popular videos went public from the global network of sports channels, beIN SPORTS, former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was at the center of them making it absolutely clear that a modern club needs a particular structure.
His emphasis on the structure perhaps hid his internal lamenting of what went wrong at Manchester United during his tenure but it did signal out one thing - England's biggest club had to restructure itself, realign in a modern way and adapt its functioning to how the game, off the football field, is revolving.
If looked at all the other top rivals of United in England, Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool have a rhythm of their own, Daniel Levy and Mauricio Pochettino have a system at Tottenham, the arrival of Maurizio Sarri signals a new systematic approach at Chelsea and it is the same story regarding Unai Emery's arrival at Arsenal, not to forget the system of Guardiola at Manchester City.
Manchester United with their three managers after Sir Alex have consistently wavered with their styles with each manager bringing in a philosophy that did fail and in some cases, established only short-term success but no Premier League trophy in half a decade signals a distinct failure, not only on the pitch but in terms of administration too.
Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer's appointment has brought in a terrific gleam on a kingdom that had been rusting and stagnating but perhaps everyone knows that this is a short-term, imminent fix as of now and there are a lot of things that need to go right after this.
As the on-going season ends in a few months, the world will turn its attention to two of the biggest giants in the world, Manchester United and Real Madrid as they enter a period of crucial planning and here is what the Red Devils must do before the next Premier League campaign begins.
#1 Appoint a Director Of Football
Quite simply in definition, a director of football is a senior management figure in the clubs and this culture is popular in Europe.
The exact roles and the principles they follow aren't really defined and laid out because it varies from club to club but primarily, a director of football is usually seen as an intermediary between the manager and the board and he relieves the pressure on the manager, has a set of allotted duties, plays an active role in the transfer market and handles the day-to-day affairs of administration commonly.
Directors of Football are pretty renowned and there are several names that come out, be it Monchi at Roma or Emenalo or Guiseppe Marotta at Juventus but in the context of Manchester United, so far, only one name has been loudly spoken of and that's Paul Mitchell - former recruitment head of Tottenham who's had a history with Mauricio Pochettino.
Ever since the departure of David Gill, there's been a huge gap in the administration of United and if Manchester United have to revamp themselves, a director of football is mandatory.
#2 Confirm a permanent manager
The departure of Jose Mourinho did definitely mean that Manchester United would look for a new manager but the appointment of Solsjkaer confirmed that they needed to steady the ship on a short term basis but in the long-run, by the British summer of 2019, Manchester United need to decide on a new manager.
Out of all the renowned names, Mauricio Pochettino of Tottenham has appeared as a clear favorite but to sign him up is another challenge as United would have to come to an agreement with Daniel Levy.
Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Juventus' manager Massimiliano Allegri along with Atletico's Diego Simeone all remain in the list of names that United can possibly go for but one can never sideline the riveting start that Solsjkaer has had with nine wins out of ten games, playing some flamboyant football and even he, has emerged as a favorite alongside Pochettino.
#3 Handle the contract situations
When the season started, there were about a dozen players at the club who's contracts were set to end during the summer but a good portion of it has been resolved and there's a long way to go as well.
The recent five-year extension of Anthony Martial's contract comes at a crucial time and the beloved Frenchman's decision to remain at Old Trafford means that United aren't ready to part with their best, but are vehement in signalling out their intentions. Another important player is David de Gea who's contract ends after a year and United are progressing sharply to make him extend as well.
Among the others, players like Juan Mata and Ander Herrera remain on alert while there are popular claims that captain Antonio Valencia will leave along with Matteo Darmian and Phil Jones.
Chris Smalling might get an extension too, and with so much going on in relevance to the contracts, United should give their fans more clarity on this and should get it dusted off as soon as possible.
#4 Prepare a transfer market strategy
It is obvious that the playing XI of United's has changed considerably after the departure of Sir Alex and that was an obvious fact, since three managers did arrive and move on but there are some gaping holes that still need filling and if United have to mount a title challenge, these need to be covered.
A right winger is very important as United haven't paid enough attention to that position at all after Nani left and it's been years. No popular winger apart from Ivan Perisic was linked to the club but United need a world-class attacker down the right.
A center back is crucial too because defensive fragility was widely felt during Jose's tenure. Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld were identified and even though Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have shown massive improvement, United still need a world-class defender.
A midfielder is important too and as it looks like Juan Mata and Andreas Pereira might depart following Fellaini's departure, United need someone alongside Pogba, playing in front of Matic to maintain their rigidness and expand on a beautiful style.
Ander Herrera has been magnificent ever since Ole took over but if Fred does not improve, United should look at improving their midfield.
Kalidou Koulibaly, Milan Skrniar, Toby Alderweireld and young dutch attacker Steven Bergwijn are on the hot-list. After a director of football is appointed and a manager is confirmed, United should be clever, decisive and should sign with intention of winning the league.
