Ruben Amorim: It's No Longer "Fergie Time

Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has boldly claimed that the era of "Fergie Time" is over. The term, which refers to Manchester United’s late-game heroics under Sir Alex Ferguson, was a hallmark of their dominance in English football for decades.

Amorim made the statement in response to a question about Manchester United’s current struggles and their inability to consistently produce late-winning goals. He argued that the modern game has changed, with teams now better prepared to defend until the final whistle.

"Football has evolved. Back in the Ferguson era, there was a psychological advantage that Manchester United had. Opponents almost expected United to score in added time. But today, with better defensive tactics and advanced analytics, that aura is gone," Amorim explained.

Manchester United, now under Erik ten Hag, has struggled to recreate the same level of dominance, especially in clutch moments. Their lack of a consistent game-changer in the final minutes has made a significant difference.

During Ferguson’s tenure, United were infamous for their ability to snatch victories from the jaws of defeat. Legends like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Ole Gunnar Solskjær epitomized this ability, with fans often expecting a last-minute goal.

Amorim’s comments have sparked debate among football fans, with some agreeing that the game has changed while others believe Manchester United simply lacks the same quality and mentality of their golden era.

Regardless, Amorim’s words highlight the evolving nature of football, where past traditions do not guarantee future success.