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Manchester United have confirmed the departure of embattled boss Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese leaves Old Trafford with the Red Devils mired in sixth place, and already 19 points in the wake of league leaders Liverpool.

It’s the end of an era for United, and there’s likely to be plenty more change to come. Whenever the new manager comes in, whoever that may be, he’s almost certain to instigate an overhaul of this underperforming squad.

On the chalkboard

Mourinho’s tactics have been muddled this season, as he’s continually failed to land upon a system that suits his side or a best starting XI he can rely upon. All too often, the former boss reverted to investing his faith in ageing, declining stars such as Ashley Young, Nemanja Matic and Marouane Fellaini.

Who's most to blame for Man Utd's poor season? FFC's James Jones has his say in the video below...

The next man in the dugout must be bold and take steps to drag the Red Devils into a new era. The likes of Young, Matic and Fellaini - who produce serviceable but tired, uninspiring football - must be let go and replaced with altogether more vibrant options.

The likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are stagnating players who offer no room for improvement and must also be usurped in this side. 

With their next appointment, United must finally achieve what they have so far failed to do since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement - have a plan.

Time for change

The current squad at Old Trafford is a hodgepodge of Ferguson leftovers and David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Mourinho signings. Each of the four aforementioned coaches are very different from one another, and prefer contrasting styles of football. This lack of consistency in managers has resulted in a lack of cohesion amongst the playing squad.

That has to change now. The new man must be brought in with a clear vision, and the resources provided for it to be brought to fruition. Part of that process must also include the ousting of players who cannot thrive in the glare of this bright new dawn at Old Trafford.