FORMER Manchester United star Lee Sharpe is not convinced academy players will find it easy to break through under Ruben Amorim. After taking over from Erik ten Hag in November, the Portuguese boss has inherited a bloated squad. Amorim has brought his signature three-at-the-back setup to Old Trafford after enjoying continued success with Sporting Lisbon.
![[Ruben Amorim has endured a tough start to life at Old Trafford]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/editorial-use-images-copyright-every-959452146.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
The system calls for persistent pressing off the ball but has yet to be fully mastered by United's struggling stars. Sharpe - who starred for the Red Devils in the 1990s and made his debut as a 17-year-old - is not convinced the current crop of youngsters will have similar success.
![[One United legend isn't convinced the Portuguese boss can bring youth players through at the club]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22-12-2024-manchester-united-959451664_8183c3.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
And he believes Amorim imprinting his system on the club will take time. Sharpe told Express Sport: "I know they've got a couple of forwards who everyone's raving about. "And there are a couple of other players that are just on the fringes of the first team.
![[Lee Sharpe made his debut for United aged just 17]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/manchester-uniteds-lee-sharpe-1105319.jpg?strip=all&w=836)
"It's always important at United [to promote youth]. "It's important to have a manager who encourages the youth set-up to come through and give young players a chance. But I'm not sure [they can under Amorim].". FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS. Sharpe's sentiments are shared by ex-United striker Dimitar Berbatov, who doesn't believe the Red Devils have enough strength in depth to play how Amorim wants.
