Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson supports current manager Rúben Amorim but also believes the club may need 10 to 11 years before reclaiming the Premier League title. Ferguson managed United for 26 and a half years, winning 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, with the Red Devils last winning the league in the 2012/13 season before his retirement.

In an interview with "Press Box PR" in Bahrain, Ferguson said: "Amorim is a very good person, but it’s not easy for him. I remember early in my career, Liverpool was at its peak—they were an excellent team, winning four European Cups. But then they waited 31 years to win the league again. We are in a similar situation now; it’s a cycle that might last 10 or 11 years. Manchester United must carefully consider their transfers to ensure they do better than before."
The 83-year-old legendary manager praised the summer signings, saying they have helped the team currently sit in sixth place. He specifically commended goalkeeper Senna Lamens, winger Cunha, and Mbemo, but did not mention Shesko.
“I believe the decision to have Lamens as goalkeeper has had a positive impact,” Ferguson added. “He is only 23, physically strong, quick to react, tall, and well-coordinated—qualities that benefit a goalkeeper. I think Manchester United really needs players like this. Over the years, the team has always had players who inspire teammates and drive the whole squad forward, which greatly helps the club’s development. The other two players, Mbemo and Cunha, definitely look capable of helping us regain form.”
Ferguson also said that his success rebuilding Manchester United was based on trusting young players. “I was always interested in youth players. When I managed St Mirren, the club had no financial support, so all I could do was attend football school on Tuesdays and Thursdays to watch young players train. Eventually, five of them became national team members. Later, at Aberdeen, I continued this approach. Despite not having our own training ground, we won the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and the club developed eight excellent players. That was fantastic.”

The famous Class of ’92 players Ferguson promoted at Manchester United—Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, and Gary Neville—are even more well-known. He said: “Before I joined Manchester United, Bobby Charlton was involved in the negotiations. I told him, ‘I don’t know why you appointed me unless you give me enough authority to develop young players.’ Bobby replied, ‘Deal, you’ve got the job.’ Charlton was truly an amazing person.”
A survey by the UK’s Metro newspaper shows many people agree with Ferguson’s prediction that it will take 5 to 10 years for Manchester United to win the title again. However, current manager Amorim disagrees, believing the team can win sooner. According to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plan, Manchester United should reclaim the Premier League title by the club’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2028.
Amorim said: “Ferguson’s understanding of football, especially English football, is deeper than mine. But I believe Manchester United won’t take too long to win the league again. Although I don’t know who will manage in the future, I sincerely believe we have the ability to compete for the title in the coming years. Of course, it’s hard to say exactly how long it will take; no one can predict.”
Amorim is confident the team has made progress under his leadership: “From a management perspective, the club is currently at a critical moment. We must address various internal challenges, and I am here to fulfill that role. As long as I am here, I will keep fighting, never back down, and solve all existing problems. Our team is continuously improving overall, and we will keep refining the details. Even if we lose points because of this, these changes will have a positive long-term effect. If we establish a style, the struggles will lessen, and the goals will increase. Therefore, we should focus on the positive side and prepare for the upcoming match against Aston Villa.”

Regarding the controversy over using Manchester United youth players, Amorim bluntly pointed out that there is a culture among the club’s youngsters of feeling entitled to special treatment. He made these remarks responding to the issue of 20-year-old English midfielder Kobe Meno’s brother Jordan Meno-Hems wearing a “Free Meno” T-shirt, and also criticized two other young players, Harry Armas and Chido Obi.
“I think the problem lies in a mindset within our club where some believe they deserve preferential treatment,” Amorim said. “In fact, sometimes harsh words aren’t a bad thing. It’s good for kids to go through some hardship. We can’t expect recognition and praise in every situation. That doesn’t help. Now you see players publicly opposing their own club because they think they should receive special privileges.”
Amorim added: “Some even think that if they don’t get to play, they should leave, which is wrong. No, we should stay and keep fighting. We can overcome difficulties and make the coach realize his mistakes. So I’ve always felt we must battle this mentality. Sometimes I admit first: on the pitch, I haven’t contributed as much as expected for the club; my performance hasn’t met standards. But off the pitch, I can assure you I haven’t failed the club. So, I believe the problem is internal; we always focus on those players but forget what it means to represent Manchester United.”
Amorim said he has not discussed the T-shirt incident with Meno: “No, the person wearing the shirt wasn’t Kobe himself. He won’t be excluded from playing because of that, nor will he be benched because of it. If we think he’s the right player to play, he will play. So that’s not really an issue. I’m used to it. I’ve been here a year, and this kind of thing is nothing new to me. We have to handle it, but I won’t take any action against Kobe. What his family does won’t change reality; only meeting the standards will get him on the field.”

After Amorim said Armas and Obi hadn’t yet reached the level to join Manchester United’s first team, the young players responded by posting photos of their awards and goals. The United manager commented: “Players, especially young ones, currently have the mindset that they deserve special treatment. They choose to post pictures on social media to respond to the coach. My office door is open, but no one comes to talk to me. In fact, that’s the right way to solve problems. So, I believe we first need to change from the club’s side; only then will everything change.”