Manchester United have been warned it could take until next season for them to see the benefit of a turnaround with Ruben Amorim at the Old Trafford helm.

United head into the traditional Boxing Day fixtures this afternoon languishing in the bottom half of the top-flight table. After coming from behind to defeat Manchester City late on, United have suffered a couple of disappointing results since then against Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Bournemouth.

That inconsistency is something which Amorim will be looking to coach out of his players. However, as they head towards the New Year, time is also running out for United to put together a meaningful charge which would push them back into the Champions League conversation.

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Speaking to Prime Casino, ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas has insisted that it could take Amorim longer to mastermind a turnaround akin to Enzo Maresca's at Stamford Bridge. The Italian only joined this summer, but has already managed to push Chelsea back into the top-four - while the Blues also harbour title hopes.

"Ruben Amorim already has a big problem at Manchester United," Gallas explained.

"Arriving in the middle of a season makes things so much tougher, especially when it comes to getting your system across to players and trying to explain how they should play. The difference between Amorim and Enzo Maresca is that Maresca came in during the summer and could get his ideas across early, it's a big issue for Amorim this season and his side might only click next season."

This is first time since 1989 that United went into Christmas Day in the bottom half of the table - while the club are hoping that this evening's trip to Wolves (5.30pm) can bring about a change in their fortunes.