Manchester United are still under pressure to deliver results after sacking Ruben Amorim and Phil Jones has his say on what the club's target should be for the end of the season
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are leading candidates to take charge Manchester United(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Manchester United's interim manager must ensure the club qualifies for the Europa League or Champions League. Ex-United defender Phil Jones believes the club need stability in order to try and build some momentum at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher has been in charge at the Theatre of Dreams following Ruben Amorim's dismissal. The former Scotland midfielder could only manage a draw against Burnley before United suffered an early FA Cup exit at home against Brighton.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are now on course to appoint a new boss until the end of the season. United have held talks with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The ex-United and England midfielder is the frontrunner to take the position. However, regardless of who takes the position, Jones believes that European qualification, now only possible through the club's performance in the league, will remain a vital ambition.
United sit seventh in the Premier League, three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
"It's difficult, it's been difficult for a number of months now," Jones said 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."
Phil Jones coaching United's youth
Phil Jones says United must target Europe(Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
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Caretaker boss Fletcher has admitted he does not know what comes next, when questioned following defeat to Brighton.
"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."