Ex-Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has defended Ruben Amorim following his difficult start to life at Manchester United but he has warned him that his players may be unprepared for a relegation battle if results don’t turn around quickly.

Speaking exclusively to Man U News.com (courtesy of Makthavare.se), Poyet said the crisis at Old Trafford preceded Amorim’s time in charge but there is a potential for things to get worse before they get better:

“We can talk about the system [that Amorim] plays – six months ago, it was the system of the previous coach [Erik ten Hag] and before it was a previous coach and before it was many [other] good ones – recognised good ones – so is it always the system of the coach? No – not anymore. Manchester United have lost all that was created during the magical years of Alex Ferguson and the players they had were outstanding. Now, they’re in a difficult situation and they need to restart – that means a big clear out and you need to make proper decisions, strong decisions and then to start again.”

“It’s not easy because of who you are, at the moment, it’s a big problem and remember when players have found themselves in a bad position in the table and they are not used to play[ing] for that. It’s not the same. When you play for the title, it’s easy. I promise you, to play at the bottom [it’s not]. I don’t know, but they need to start winning games soon because if not, it could turn really, really bad at the end of the season for them.”

United are not in a relegation battle (yet)

The Red Devils are currently sitting 12 points above the dropzone so there is no danger of them being dragged into a fight at the bottom of the table for the time being.

Their form in recent weeks has been similar to those in the relegation places, though. Since Christmas, they have picked up just seven points in eight fixtures. 18th placed Ipswich have collected five in the same period.

The club’s injury crisis won’t help matters

With key players such as Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martinez having been ruled out for the season, and 10 other first-team stars on the treatment table, Amorim has a threadbare squad to choose from at the moment.

The 40-year-old will be hoping his side can make it through to the summer before a clearout can begin.

Read more from our exclusive with Gus Poyet as he issues his verdict on Jadon Sancho’s move to Chelsea