In a recent interview with Press Box PR, legendary former coach Alex Ferguson suggested that Man Utd is in a similar situation to Liverpool, who endured a 30-year national championship drought. He predicted his former club might have to wait another 10 or 11 years to become English champions. The "Red Devils" last won the Premier League in 2013 under Ferguson.

During a press conference before the match against Aston Villa in the 17th round of the Premier League, Amorim responded to Ferguson's statement: "He understands football more than I do, especially English football. But I don't think Man Utd will take that long to win the league."

Coach Ruben Amorim and Man Utd players after a 4-4 draw with Bournemouth in the 16th round of the Premier League at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 15/12. Photo: Reuters

Amorim believes that regardless of who manages the team in the future, Man Utd can compete for the championship within the next few years. "I believe the team will soon fight for the title. Not too many years from now, although in football, you can never say never," the 40-year-old coach emphasized.

During the same press conference, Amorim directly addressed the cases of Chido Obi and Harry Amass, young players who posted reactive images after he questioned the academy players' readiness for the first team. "I think there's a sense of entitlement existing at this club," the Portuguese coach stated. "Sometimes harsh words aren't a bad thing. Difficult times aren't necessarily negative for young players."

Amorim argued that being too lenient and only offering praise does not help development. "Nowadays, many players are willing to react against the club because they feel they have the right to do so," he said.

Coach Ruben Amorim (left) and Kobbie Mainoo applaud fans after Man Utd's 1-3 loss to Brentford at GTech Community Stadium, London, England on 27/9. Photo: Reuters

The Portuguese coach later acknowledged Man Utd's current poor form but affirmed that he has not failed in maintaining discipline. "Sometimes players forget the meaning of wearing the Man Utd shirt. We, as a club, sometimes forget who we are," he expressed.

Amorim was also asked about a photo of Kobbie Mainoo's brother wearing a shirt with the words "Free Kobbie Mainoo" in the stands during the 4-4 draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, implying the English midfielder's limited playing time.

"Kobbie wasn't the one wearing that shirt. He will play if it's the right professional choice, not because of external pressure," Amorim said, also sending a message to young players regarding advice from former stars like Paul Scholes, who suggested they should leave the club if they don't get playing time. "No, stay, fight, and overcome the difficulties."

Today, Man Utd visits Aston Villa, a club that has won nine of its last ten matches and currently ranks third in the Premier League. Amorim noted the team's challenging preparation, with Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt absent due to injury, Casemiro suspended, and Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) on international duty for the Africa Cup of Nations.