Club must learn to play without fear and harness their young players, particularly Kobbie Mainoo, and regain a seat at Europe’s top table

Whatever the protestations from Manchester United about the relationship between Ruben Amorim and the higher-ups not collapsing like a house of cards, clearly something was not right. The head coach became increasingly open that something was amiss after chats with Jason Wilcox. The director of football has not covered himself in glory at the club, but he and the chief executive, Omar Berrada, remain while another head coach departs. Conversations with potential replacements need to centre on everyone being on the same page. There were disagreements over tactics and recruitment, which created tension Old Trafford could ill afford. Nothing will be fixed overnight, meaning the incoming coach needs explicit guidelines on what is required and must offer a clear path on how tactics and style will meet expectations. Season-by-season ambitions should be set, allowing everyone to be held accountable, instead of the blame being foisted on one man.

Today’s rumours know a P45 when they see one

The big plan to turn West Ham’s season around is well under way. The forwards Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos have checked in, allowing the focus to shift backwards. An offer has been made for the Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento. The 26-year-old Brazilian, who started his career with Athletico Paranaense before moving to Saudi Arabia, has amassed six international caps, which is not bad going when his rivals are Alisson and Ederson.

Josko Gvardiol’s broken shin could prompt Manchester City to enter the market. They have already recalled Max Alleyne from a loan spell at Watford, but could make a call a little further south and ascertain how much it would set them back to acquire Marc Guéhi. The England international almost moved to Liverpool, who maintain an interest, at the end of the previous transfer window before Oliver Glasner’s foot slammed down. The Eagles, however, might want a bit of cash for a player whose contract ends in six months.