"Ten Hag isn't perfect, but Ferguson also made mistakes" - Man United legend Saha backs Amorim

The Man United manager has been under criticism since replacing Erik Ten Hag in December 2024.

His performance with the team has been called into question after ending the season in 15th place on the Premier League table.

The former Manchester United striker spoke exclusively to A BOLA and was impressed with the Dutch manager, of whom he is a "big fan"

"Yes, I'm a big fan. He's still a young manager, so he has things to prove; he has things to learn. He has to admit those things too. But it's not easy. Because you have to show you know your job. That you've almost been there before, it's not easy. But I think his main talent, as a former player, is very high. It's the way he communicates.

"I think he communicates correctly. He's very honest, very direct. When he doesn't like things, he says so. When he likes things, he's there to protect the players. He's doing that," he said in an interview with A BOLA, on the sidelines of the Summer Football Camp with Manchester United legends at the Pine Cliffs Resort in Albufeira.

"It's not easy with big players, big stars too. And he's managed to do that. So everyone involved at Manchester United has to improve. And that's what he's doing. But, as I said, he has the support of the fans and the club. Because he's very honest and very strong mentally. He knows what he wants.

"There are times when you have to acknowledge your mistakes. He's a hard worker. Nobody's perfect. Alex Ferguson also made mistakes. As a young manager, you have to learn things. Because England is not the same as other leagues. There are different things you have to learn about the club.

"And Manchester United is a big team. Now that he's there, he understands that. I hope he gets the support he deserves. Because, as I said, I'm very impressed with his communication. I'm very impressed with how he tries to implement a tactic and needs the right players. I hope he gets that," he emphasised.

When asked if he could return Manchester United to the glory days, Saha said, "I think that's a difficult question to answer. I don't think he will reach the high level of other managers in the past. He's starting to get better support because the club is growing. I would say many mistakes have been made in the last seven or eight years.

"So the first thing he has to do, and I think he recognises that, is to build a well-balanced team between experience, youth, and talent. These players need to be willing to sacrifice. The main objective should be to build a consistent team that people feel again, that brings back the kind of enthusiasm that Manchester United teams have shown in the past.

"But the results will come. There are seven or eight teams that can win the Premier League now. The standard is very high, and it's not easy. I'd say it will take him at least two years to achieve that."