Manchester United legend tells fans they will have to wait until after 2026 to reap benefits of Amorim

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has urged fans to be patient with Ruben Amorim, predicting that it could take at least two to three years for the team to fully adapt to the Portuguese manager’s 3-4-3 system.

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The former Red Devils defender believes that the club will not see the real benefits of Amorim's tactical philosophy until after 2026.

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, the former right-back explained why Amorim’s tactical demands make a quick turnaround unlikely.

"How quickly can Amorim, not just get good players in, but get players who can fit into this system?" Neville questioned, adding, "It's a peculiar system, 3-4-3. It's a system where you've got to find two midfield players who are good enough to play with each other and cover a lot of ground.

"You've got to find three centre-backs – with two of the outside ones capable of playing out wide in the full-back areas when the wing-backs go forward. So you're asking for specialists throughout the team. It's not like other systems which are a little bit more forgiving."

"It's going to be a minimum of two to three transfer windows because of the investment that's been made, and we know clubs are on the edge of PSR.

"They've lost £300m in the last three years, so there's a real struggle and a real fight to be able to spend the money that they need in the transfer market as well. There's been a lot of waste in the last few years."

Manchester United’s financial situation continues to deteriorate, making major squad overhauls difficult. Amorim has already admitted that the club must sell players before making new signings in the summer.

Due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), The Red Devils may have to sacrifice key young talents such as Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom have attracted strong interest from Chelsea and Napoli.

Selling academy graduates would represent pure profit under PSR guidelines, which could force United into tough decisions this summer.

Meanwhile, the club has been forced to cut staff, and their financial struggles have been further aggravated by INEOS facing legal action from the All Blacks over a failed sponsorship deal.

Despite the challenges, Neville remains hopeful that Amorim’s long-term vision will pay off – but he has warned fans that patience will be needed before the club sees real progress.