United have failed to finish top of the pile in English football since 2013, when the legendary Ferguson retired after guiding The Red Devils to a 20th league success.
“They were a fantastic club winning the European Cup four times and all that, but then it took them 30 years to win the league again.
“We are now in the same situation. It could be 10 years, could be 11 years, because of that cycle.
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“It has to be thought out carefully, and we have to make sure the recruitment is going to be better than what it was.”
However, speaking at a press conference ahead of the weekend’s game with Aston Villa, Amorim was a touch more optimistic.
He said: “He understands football more, especially English football. I don’t think we’ll take that long to win the league. I don’t know which manager will be here, but I truly believe we can fight for the title in the next years. It is not going to take so many years, but you never know.
“In leadership, it’s the moment of the club, you have to fight all the fights. We are improving as a team. As a group, we are going to improve in these small things.
“That will make a difference even to suffer goals. If we are a different group we will suffer less goals, but we are scoring more, so let’s think about the positives and think about the Villa game.”
They are not in Europe this season – for the first time in over a decade – and their only realistic chance left of silverware is the FA Cup.
Despite the obvious frustrations surrounding United, Ferguson is clearly impressed with the recent transfer activity.
“I think the appointment of the goalkeeper (Senne 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.”
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Kenny Allstar Meets of Matheus Cunha:
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Ferguson was in charge of United from 1986 until 2013, an era which saw the landscape of English football change dramatically.
United had a 26-year wait for the title, before Ferguson led them to glory in the 1992/93 season.
He led United to 13 league titles, two European Cups, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
His and United’s finest hour came in the 1998/99 season, when they won the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.
They were the first English club to win the Treble, but Manchester City matched that feat in 2022/23.
Liverpool reigned supreme in English football for much of the 1970s and the whole of the 1980s, winning a host of English league titles, along with four European Cups.
But after they claimed an 18th league title in 1990, tougher times came to Anfield and they waited 30 years for another league title.
Jurgen Klopp finally led them to the promised land once more – during a global health pandemic – in 2020.
And last season, Arne Slot guided the Merseyside giants to another league success, meaning Liverpool and United are now tied with 20 league titles each.
United are back in action on Sunday, when they go to high-flying Aston Villa in the Premier League. They then face Newcastle at home on Boxing Day, before their final game of 2025, at home to Wolves on December 30.
Amorim suggests Obi Martin and Amass are ‘entitled’
Amorim also addressed recent social media posts from youngsters Harry Amass – on loan at Sheffield Wednesday – and Chido Obi Martin, who largely plays for United’s under-21 setup.
Both players hinted at dissatisfaction with recent comments from Amorim that neither of them were setting their current teams alight with their form, justifying why younger players are not always picked for the first team at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese manager suggested that the posts reflected an “entitled” atmosphere still at the club.
He said: “I think the feeling, a little bit of an entitled one, we have in our club. Sometimes strong words (are) not bad words, difficult moments are not bad for the kids.
“We don’t need always to (have) accolades for every situation. You guys talk about players who speak against clubs because they feel entitlement, then you have legends, so if you don’t play, leave because everyone is wrong. No, stay and fight, let’s overcome.
“Maybe the manager is wrong. I have the feeling we need to fight against this feeling. I’m the first one to say I’m failing.
“Outside the pitch, I guarantee I’m not failing this club. It is something in our club, and the players sometimes forget what it means to play for Man United.
“We as a club forget sometimes who we are. It’s the environment, the kids feel entitled and free to respond to the manager with a picture. My office is open, but nobody is coming to talk to me. That is the way we solve things. We need to change as a club.”
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