Manchester United fans have grown accustomed to the rollercoaster ride of the post-Ferguson era, and now the legendary manager himself has weighed in.
Sir Alex Ferguson, whose 26-year reign brought 38 trophies—including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League wins—has cautioned that returning to the very top of English football might not happen overnight.
In fact, he estimates it could take “10 or 11 years” for the Red Devils to reclaim their former dominance.
Despite this, Ferguson is optimistic about the current leadership under Ruben Amorim, who has taken the reins amid turbulent times.
From Struggles to Signs of Improvement
Man United’s 2024-25 season was a nightmare, with Amorim stepping in mid-season and guiding the club to a 15th-place finish—their worst ever in the Premier League era.
But this season tells a different story.
The team has climbed to sixth place, just two points shy of the top four, and is already guaranteed a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Ferguson, speaking to Press Box PR in Bahrain, praised Amorim for his leadership, acknowledging the challenges involved in restoring Manchester United’s elite status.
Learning from Liverpool’s Example
Reflecting on the club’s long-term strategy, Ferguson drew parallels with Liverpool, which famously endured a 31-year wait between league titles despite dominating Europe in the 1970s and 1980s.
“He [Amorim] is a good personality, it is not easy,” Ferguson said.
“I remember looking back on my own time there, starting off when Liverpool were the bee’s knees.
They were a fantastic club winning the European Cup four times and all that, but then it took them 31 years to win the league again.
We are now in the same situation.
It could be ten years, could be 11 years, because of that cycle.
It has to be thought out carefully and we have to make sure the recruitment is going to be better than what it was.”
The Impact of Smart Recruitment
Ferguson also highlighted the positive effects of recent summer signings on the team’s performance.
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who joined from Royal Antwerp for £21.7 million, has quickly established himself as United’s first-choice keeper, making several standout saves in his 10 Premier League appearances.
“I think the appointment of the goalkeeper has made a difference,” Ferguson commented.
“He’s young at 23, he’s quick, a big lad, good feet and hands, and I think that helps.
United have always had inspirational players over the years. I think that has helped.”
He also praised the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, suggesting they could be key contributors to United’s resurgence.
“The other two, Mbeumo and Cunha, they look as if they will contribute to the recovery of our form,” Ferguson added.
A Cautious Optimism
While Ferguson’s words serve as a reality check on the long-term challenge of returning to the summit, his support for Amorim and acknowledgment of smart signings offer hope to the fans.
The road ahead may be long, but with careful planning and the right players in place, Manchester United could once again rise to the top of English football.
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