Legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted it could take ’10 or 11 years’ for the club to return to the summit of the game, but has offered his backing to current boss Ruben Amorim.
Ferguson had led Man United to 38 trophies in his 26-year reign, including delivering 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs.
Man United are yet to win either competition since Ferguson’s retirement at the end of the 2012-13 season.
The Red Devils endured a nightmare 2024-25 campaign which saw Amorim – who was appointed mid-season – lead the club to a 15th placed finish, their worst in the Premier League era.
Amorim’s side have shown signs of improvement this season and currently lie sixth in the table, two points shy of the top four and guaranteed Champions League qualification.
Speaking to Press Box PR in Bahrain, Ferguson offered his backing to Amorim amid the challenge of trying to restore Man United’s status at the top of English football.
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted it could take Man United ’10 or 11 years’ to win the Premier League title again
Ferguson offered his backing to Man United boss Ruben Amorim in his efforts to turn around the club’s fortunes
He cited the example of Liverpool, who endured a lengthy title drought, when reflecting on how long it could take for his former club to win the Premier League again.Â
‘He [Amorim] is a good personality, it is not easy,’ Ferguson said.
‘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.Â
‘It has to be thought out carefully and we have to make sure the recruitment is going to be better than what it was.’
Ferguson has suggested Man United’s summer recruitment has helped their improved form so far this season.
The 83-year-old recently lauded the addition of goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who joined from Royal Antwerp in a £21.7million move.
The Belgian shot-stopper has established himself as Man United’s first choice goalkeeper and has made several impressive stops in his 10 Premier League appearances to date.
Ferguson repeated his recent praise for Senne Lammens and suggested the goalkeeper could become ‘inspirational’
Ferguson again praised Man United’s decision to sign the 23-year-old, suggesting he could be an ‘inspirational player’, while also highlighting the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
‘I think the appointment of the goalkeeper [Lammens] has made a difference,’ Ferguson 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.’
Share or comment on this article:
Sir Alex Ferguson offers warm backing to Ruben Amorim but admits it could take ’10 or 11 years’ for Manchester United to recapture the glory days