It has not been a bright start to the season for Manchester United but former player Michael Owen believes there is one overwhelming positive.
With no European football this season, there was a quiet optimism around what might be possible at Manchester United this season.
Ruben Amorim is expected to finish top six, but after the opening seven Premier League matches, United sit 10th in the standings.
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Amorim is under huge pressure to turn things around and save his job, even if Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly rubbished any sack claims.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty ImagesMichael Owen insists Man United will be back
Michael Owen spent three years at United between 2009 and 2012, where he played under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson and won one Premier League title and one League Cup.
Having been at the top with United, Owen told Mashable India that he is confident that the Red Devils will eventually return to their golden years.
“You could go and get Messi and Ronaldo for Manchester United tomorrow and they’d be half the player, you know, in a week’s time,” Owen said.
“And listen, the only positive for Manchester United fans is they will be back.
“It’s just whether it’s three years or five years or 10 years, but you’re, you know, you’re too big a club, too much money, too much support. Everything is so good at Manchester United. It will be a big force again.”
Man United have three-year plan in action
Owen insists it could take anywhere from three to 10 years for United to return to the top of English football, and Ineos have already hatched plans to make it happen.
Ineos launched ‘Project 150’ at United with the intention of winning the Premier League by 2028.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim’s controversial Man Utd decision can age as a masterstroke vs Liverpool
Since being appointed, Amorim has set his sights on winning the league at United, despite finishing 15th in what was a disastrous first season.
Ratcliffe is eager to give Amorim three years in charge of the side to create stability and consistency, but fans will want to see progress sooner rather than later.