Sir Alex Ferguson sends chilling Man United warning amid Ruben Amorim verdict

Sir Alex Ferguson sends chilling Man United warning amid Ruben Amorim verdict

Manchester United's legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson is not convinced the club will be in the title race conversation in the near future

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson believes it could be at least 10 years before the Reds are battling for the Premier League title and insists he has sympathy for Ruben Amorim. Since the Portuguese head coach took over in November 2024, it has been difficult for United.

Amorim chose to sacrifice the Premier League last season to concentrate on the most likely route to the Champions League through the Europa League. However, this plan backfired as United lost to Tottenham in an underwhelming final. The Reds would go on to finish 15th in the Premier League.

Since then, United have shown signs of improvement with the attack looking stronger and the Reds currently sitting sixth. However, there are still concerns about Amorim's tactics, with many criticising his reluctance to deviate from a three-at-the-back system, albeit this stance has softened recently due to absentees.

Speaking to Press Box PR, Ferguson believes United are still on a long journey to the force they once were under him. He said: "He [Amorim] is a good personality. It is not easy. I remember looking back on my own time there, starting off when Liverpool were the bee's knees.

"They were a fantastic club winning the European Cup four times and all that, but then it took them 31 years to win the league again. We are now in the same situation. It could be ten years, could be 11 years, because of that cycle.

"It has to be thought out carefully and we have to make sure the recruitment is going to be better than what it was." While Ferguson is pessimistic about United going for the title any time soon, he did provide some comfort for supporters.

"I think the appointment of the goalkeeper [Senne Lammens] has made a difference," he added. "He's young at 23, he’s quick, a big lad, good feet and hands, and I think that helps. I think they have needed that player.

"United have always had inspirational players over the years. I think that has helped. The other two, [Bryan] Mbeumo and [Matheus] Cunha, they look as if they will contribute to the recovery of our form."

The Reds will be without the services of Mbeumo until the New Year due to his involvement with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Amad and Noussair Mazraoui are also absent for the festive period with Ivory Coast and Morocco respectively.

This weekend, United will also be missing Casemiro from their squad. The Brazilian picked up his fifth yellow card of the season and will serve a one-game ban vs Aston Villa.

His absence could provide an opportunity for Kobbie Mainoo. The academy graduate has yet to start a Premier League fixture this season.