Manchester United's legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson has delivered a sobering verdict on the club's title prospects, suggesting fans may have to wait another 10 or 11 years to see the Premier League trophy return to Old Trafford.
Ferguson Draws Parallels with Liverpool's Historic Drought
The Scot, who won 13 of United's 20 league championships, made the stark prediction during an interview with Press Box PR. Ferguson drew a direct comparison with Liverpool's long title absence after their dominance ended in 1990.
"I remember looking back on my own time, starting off in November 1986 when Liverpool were the bee's knees," Ferguson stated. "They were a fantastic club, but then it took them 30 years to win the league again. We are now in the same situation." United's last title triumph came under Ferguson himself in 2013.
Amorim's Diplomatic but Defiant Rebuttal
Current United boss Ruben Amorim responded with a mixture of respect and quiet confidence, publicly disagreeing with the club's most successful ever manager. While acknowledging Ferguson's unparalleled understanding of English football, the Portuguese coach insisted the wait would not be as long.
"He understands football more than me, especially English football," Amorim conceded. "We will not take that long to win a league, though I don't know which manager will be here then."
Internal Tensions and 'Entitlement' Culture Exposed
The exchange over the club's future comes amid visible internal friction. Amorim criticised a perceived sense of "entitlement" among some within the squad, referencing recent incidents involving young players.
After the coach suggested young full-back Harry Amass was "struggling" on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and that striker Chido Obi was not always starting for the Under-21s, both players posted seemingly defiant social media responses. Amass shared an image of his Player of the Month award for November, while Obi posted a goal celebration. The posts were swiftly deleted.
"It is the feeling of entitlement that we have in our club," Amorim stated. "Nowadays they speak and go against the club because they feel entitlement... The players sometimes forget what it means to play for Manchester United."
The situation was further highlighted by the case of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old's half-brother wore a "Free Kobbie Mainoo" T-shirt during Monday's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth and posted it online, amid comments from former player Paul Scholes that Mainoo should join Chelsea. Amorim confirmed he would not punish Mainoo for his relative's actions, stating selection would be based purely on merit.
Amorim also addressed captain Bruno Fernandes's recent interview, in which the midfielder claimed the club's hierarchy previously wanted him to leave and suggested some teammates do not share his commitment. The manager revealed Fernandes had spoken with the board beforehand and the matter was considered closed.
With key midfielder Casemiro suspended for Sunday's trip to Aston Villa, attention turns to whether Mainoo will get a chance to start. Amorim has previously hinted the academy graduate could one day fill the Brazilian's holding role, describing his recent substitute appearance against Villa as a positive showing.
