Manchester United legend Jaap Stam has dropped his two cents on what to expect from Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim during this “transition period” at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford came to an end in late October after Manchester United’s shock 2-1 Premier League defeat to West Ham away from home.
United endured a disastrous start to the 2024-25 Premier League season and the Red Devils managed only three league wins from nine matches under Erik ten Hag.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was installed as interim United manager and oversaw four matches across all competitions during his spell at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim left Sporting CP in November and succeeded Ten Hag as United manager, with Ruud van Nistelrooy subsequently departing the Red Devils.
The 39-year-old Portuguese manager, who signed a contract with United until June 2027, faces an uphill battle in steering the rest of the Red Devils’ campaign.
Amorim has overseen four wins across all competitions from his first eight matches in charge at United since the end of the November international break.
Stam’s Man Utd prediction under Amorim
Manchester United are 13th in the Premier League table and the Red Devils are nine points adrift from the top four with a match in hand.
Ruben Amorim watched the Red Devils fall to back-to-back Premier League defeats to Arsenal away from home and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford this month.
However, United secured three important Premier League points last weekend with their sensational 2-1 comeback win against Manchester City at the Etihad.
Speaking to Sports Lens, Jaap Stam was asked if the expectation for United is to win major trophies next season under former Sporting CP boss Amorim.
The 52-year-old United legend said the belief would be for the Red Devils to “compete for the Premier League next season.”
ButStam added that it is “very important” for United to start winning matches and improve their current standing in the Premier League table.
“Everyone is hoping that Manchester United can compete for the Premier League next season and the manager will as well, but in the meantime, it’s very important to win matches and climb up the table,” he said.
“It’s a transition period and the players need time to adapt, but there is still pressure to win matches with his new style and to be in a decent position in the table.
“Ruben Amorim will be working hard to see which players best suit his system, but until then, there will be a lot of change.”
Stam on expectation for Man Utd this season
United return to action on Sunday when Bournemouth arrive at Old Trafford, with kick-off for the Premier League clash slated for 2pm UK time.
Stam admitted that it felt “strange” for him to suggest that the bare minimum he expects from United is to finish in 8th place and secure a European spot.
“It still feels strange to say that Manchester United need to get into the top half of the table instead of pushing to win trophies, you’d always at least hope for a Champions League spot,” he said.
“But I think the minimum this season is to get to eighth in the table and a European spot, which could come through one of the cup competitions.”
The United legend added: “They need to get European football, and if you look at their squad and you look at the other teams around them, they’re going to be making steps and they’re going to get close to these positions.
“So, I’m confident of United doing that, but it’s not good that we need to talk about United in this way.
“Hopefully, within the next couple of months, Ruben Amorim’s players can adapt quicker to the system and they can be more consistent in their way of playing.”
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