Man United legend hits out at Jason Wilcox over Ruben Amorim exit - claiming sporting director's 'ego' has set the club back

Peter Schmeichel has hit out at Man United director of football Jason Wilcox's 'ego' may have set the club back after the sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim .

Amorim was sacked on Monday after clashing with the United hierarchy over his system of playing three central defenders in a back-five system.

The Portuguese coach was critical of the situation behind the scenes and took aim at Wilcox in particular before his 14-month reign came to an end.

Amorim had name checked Wilcox several times in an explosive final press conference, where he railed against being titled as head coach rather than manager.

Man United legend Schmeichel suggested the dismissal of Amorim could set the club back, with the Red Devils currently working to appoint an interim boss until the end of the season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick are in contention for the position.

Jason Wilcox's role in Ruben Amorim's sacking has been criticised by a Man United legend

Amorim was sacked on Monday following a clash with the Man United hierarchy

Schmeichel questioned the timing of removing Amorim, rather than the decision to part ways with the Portuguese coach, and questioned whether Wilcox's ego had led to the abrupt decision.

'I was really, really surprised. I hadn't seen that coming, and I can't make sense of it. I still cannot make sense of why,' Schmeichel told broadcaster Viaplay.

'When you speak to people from within, they say, 'It was about time we did that, we've been unhappy'. But why pick that moment? That moment, it doesn't make sense to me. Why? Why now? Why not back in October, for instance?'

'If Jason Wilcox feels that he was insulted by whatever happened in that meeting, then it's not his ego that determines or decides who the manager is.

'They can say, 'Okay, that's not great. It's difficult to work with this guy.' Whatever they're thinking, pick your time.

'Why put the club back again? No matter what they do now, it's always going to put them back.'

Man United, however, had insisted the decision had been made to ensure the highest possible Premier League finish.

'With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club's leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change,' Man United said when announcing Amorim's departure.

Peter Schmeichel questioned the timing of the decision and suggested Wilcox 'ego' may have set the club back

'This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.

'The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.'

Former Man United midfielder Darren Fletcher took charge in midweek, as they drew 2-2 with relegation threatened Burnley.

Fletcher will also take charge of Man United's FA Cup tie against Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday.