JASON SHADOWS

United bigwig Wilcox is hanging manager Amorim out to dry

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RUBEN AMORIM hasn't delivered at Manchester United, according to the experts.

That much is obvious to the football know-alls who work in media or take cushy jobs keeping owners happy.

Welcome to Manchester's very own Mr Wonderful - the incredible Jason Wilcox, Manchester United's director of football.

As one of their own, the English media love him, yet to me it's a disgrace that poor old Ruben is getting as much stick as he is while Wilcox gets none.

Amorim has walked into Mission Impossible. When Alex Ferguson inherited a mess, a squad full of underachievers with various attitudes it took him years to clean it up. Amorim has been in charge for 10 months.

Like Fergie, United's new boss has had the courage to try to get rid of what he saw as shirkers. Fair play.

The real culprits are across the Atlantic and sitting upstairs in the INEOS boardroom - and none more so than Wilcox.

He was a decent player.

He won a trophy, that memorable Blackburn League title 30 years ago.

Amorim is a decade-and-a-half younger. He's won five titles. He needs support and I have not heard enough from Wilcox.

He's had a peculiar rise to power. Obviously he made the most of his ability.

During a career where his crossing ability and workrate made him popular in the dressing-room, he managed to play over 400 games.

On his good days his ability to deliver smart crosses into the box consistently made him popular with centre-forwards like Alan Shearer, who loved him.