Jamie Carragher says Ruben Amorim will need more time and patience - but Manchester United will be a better team under the new head coach.

It has been a chastening start to life in the Premier League for the former Sporting CP tactician as the 39-year-old has lost five of his opening 10 matches in charge. Amorim was tasked with mending the wounds following a difficult start under Erik ten Hag but so far, hasn't managed to stop the rot with their latest defeat coming against strugglers Wolves on Boxing Day.

The disappointment left United in 14th, eight points clear of the relegation zone and 12 away from the Champions League places. In the coming days, Amorim will face his first transfer window in charge of the club, but it remains to be seen whether he will cull the squad mid-season as he looks to stamp his mark on the club.

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The former Liverpool defender says the Portuguese has a big job on his fans but expects a resurgent United in 12 months. He wrote in the Telegraph: "Amorim has a bigger job with a blank canvas. He will need more time and patience, especially in getting underperforming players on big contracts out of the club.

"What is happening at United right now is to be expected – a few good results mixed with reminders as to why they needed a new coach. They will be a better, more consistent team by December 2025, especially when Amorim has a full pre-season and new players to implement his ideas."

United face a gruelling new year period as they travel to Liverpool then Arsenal after hosting Newcastle United on December 30.