Manchester United's most iconic manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has delivered a sobering assessment of the club's road back to glory, suggesting it could take over a decade to reclaim the Premier League summit. However, the legendary Scot has thrown his considerable support behind current boss Rubén Amorim and highlighted key signings that are fuelling a current revival.
A Stark Warning and a Historical Parallel
Speaking to Press Box PR in Bahrain, Ferguson reflected on the immense challenge facing his former club. He drew a direct comparison with Liverpool's long title drought, which lasted 31 years after their period of dominance in the 1970s and 80s.
"I remember my time there, when Liverpool was the top team," Ferguson stated. "It was a fantastic club that had won the European Cup four times, but it took them 31 years to win the league again. Now we are in the same situation. It could be ten years, it could be eleven years, because of that cycle."
Ferguson, who secured 38 trophies including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues during his 26-year reign, acknowledged that United have not lifted either of those major trophies since his retirement in 2013. The club hit a particular low in the 2024-25 campaign, finishing a disastrous 15th under Amorim, who was appointed mid-season.
Backing Amorim and the Path to Improvement
Despite the daunting timeline, Ferguson offered unequivocal backing to the Portuguese manager, Rubén Amorim. "He is a good personality, it's not easy," Ferguson said, recognising the pressure of the role.
The 83-year-old pointed to a critical area for improvement: recruitment. "You have to think carefully and make sure the recruitment is going to be better than it was," he emphasised. This season, there are clear signs of progress, with United currently sitting sixth in the table, just two points off the top four and with Champions League qualification already secured.
New Signings Earning Ferguson's Praise
Ferguson specifically highlighted the club's summer business as a key driver behind their improved form. He reserved special praise for Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, a £21.7 million signing from Royal Antwerp.
"I think the appointment of the goalkeeper [Lammens] has made the difference," Ferguson asserted. "He is young, he is 23, quick, a big lad, good feet and hands, and I think that helps. I think they needed that player. United have always had inspiring players over the years. I think that has helped." He suggested Lammens has the potential to become an "inspiring" figure at Old Trafford.
Ferguson also noted the positive impact of attackers Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, adding, "The other two, Mbeumo and Cunha, look like they will contribute to our form recovering."
While the message from the club's greatest manager is one of patience, his endorsement of the current direction and specific players provides a glimmer of hope for fans yearning for a return to the Ferguson-era heights.
