'Fergie time? It's different now... I have to be me'

SAYS RUBEN AMORIM

- SIMON MULLOCK

RUBEN AMORIM won't be turning to Sir Alex Ferguson for advice as he looks to find a way to guide Manchester United out of the shadow of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Amorim, 39, is yet to meet the most successful manager in the history of the club - and he has made it clear he won't be reopening the door to the dressing room that was closed on Ferguson last month when he was told to keep his distance from United's players.

The Portuguese insists he must be his own man when it comes to the task of bringing back the kind of glory days that United last enjoyed under the Scot (below) before he retired 11 years ago.

Amorim accepts Guardiola's decision to sign a contract extension until summer 2027 makes his job harder.

But while Ferguson once leaned on the guidance of Sir Matt Busby before making his own history at Old Trafford, the new man made it clear that he wants the past to stay exactly where it is.