Manchester United’s problems won’t be solved overnight, and Ruben Amorim just needs time before he can turn the fortunes of the club around.
That’s the belief of former United player Danny Higginbotham.
Amorim was appointed as new coach of United in November, and after a solid start to his tenure it’s been mostly a struggle for his charges.
The former juggernauts of the English Premier League now find themselves way down in 13th spot on the log.
Relegation battle?
Such has been the extent of their battles, that there has even been talk of possible relegation.
The 46-year-old Higginbotham, however, would not entertain any such talk.
“Listen, United aren’t going to go down,” Higginbotham told SportsBoom.com.
“That’s not going to happen, no matter what anyone is shouting about.”
“So, if they’re playing crap and picking up a few results which see them finish - let’s say - ninth rather than 13th or 14th, what’s gained from that? Nothing, It would be a complete waste of time.”
Higginbotham pleaded for patience before rushing to judgement of the club, and Amorim.
“There’s no quick fixes at United. We all know what was happening before he came in. Things haven’t been right for a while and you can’t turn things around overnight.
“Listen, it would be different if United were in the relegation zone. Then, you do whatever is required to stay up.”
"I’d be saying something different. But they’re not (in the bottom three) are they. And they won’t be.”
Long-term plan
The fruit of the work put in now, might only be yielded next season explained Higginbotham.
“What I think he’s on right now is a fact-finding mission. I think he’s learning about his players, watching them in action and seeing how they respond to certain situations.”
"Then, he’ll really get to work in the summer and that’s when, in August, we should really start to judge him. Only then.”