Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted that he has been in regular contact with legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson since arriving at Old Trafford.

Ferguson retired in 2013 off the back of winning his 13th Premier League title, ending a history-changing reign that had begun in 1986, although infamously got off to a rocky start.

The Scot, now 83 years of age, remains a regular presence at Old Trafford as a director even after his ambassadorial salary has been cut as part of cost-saving measures.

Amorim is the sixth permanent boss appointed in the almost 12 years since Ferguson stepped down, with none of the other five able to live up to the standards previously set.

The Portuguese, shortly to turn 40 and still at the beginning of his managerial career, has revealed a willingness to tap into the knowledge and experience Ferguson has to offer.

“I speak with Sir Alex several times. I try to call him to keep being positive,” Amorim told BBC Radio 5 Live during the course of another challenging weekend for the team.

“It’s really good because I feel the history of the club but it’s really hard, as they did such a good job, to be the guy leading the team at this moment. It’s really hard but we have to believe.”

Amorim was up front and honest about United’s shortcomings when he faced the press after the 3-1 defeat, even suggesting his team might be the worst in the club’s 147-year history. He is also determined to stick by his own tactical system and principles, even with the self-admission that is has been almost impossible for the players to adapt mid-season and with minimal chance to train.

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