Wes Brown: 'Top four not out of question for Manchester United'

Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown says his old club should not be ruled out of securing a place in the top four this season. 

Dutch manager Erik Ten Hag was relieved of his duties at Old Trafford last month after a miserable start to the new campaign. 

Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has since replaced him and is set to take charge of his new club away at Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon. 

United currently find themselves languishing in 13th after 11 matches played ahead of kick-off at Portman Road. 

Brown: 'United can definitely be in the mix'

Speaking to Odds Now via William Hill, Brown insists his former club can still secure Champions League football under Amorim this season, providing the Portuguese manager is able to implement the style which breeded so much success in Lisbon. 

Brown said: "The top four is not out of the question at all. The Premier League position is the bread and butter, it’s the standard you need to set as you play week in, week out.

"This would have to be the aim as it’s still so early in the season and [there are] so many points to play for. If United can build up some form, they can definitely be in the mix for sure, but Amorim will need time to get his ideas across."

Brown is confident Amorim (above) can improve United's current form. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

However, he also accepts that much of the onus remains with United's current playing crop, who Brown says must be willing to adapt to any fresh philosophies Amorim is looking to instill.

"For all the players, this is like a trial. You have to put the work in and [do] whatever is asked of you to have to do to the best of your ability. 

"Also, with the formation that Amorim likes to play you could see players playing in slightly different positions to what they have done before, so the team can gel better.

"The young players should like his style of play for sure, you look at the success [Amorim had] at Sporting Lisbon and the football was really good."

United are currently four points adrift of the top four heading into Amorim's maiden match in charge.

Star Sports currently offer them at a best price of 7/1 to bridge the gap and secure Champions League football for next season.

New striker should be a priority for Amorim

A lack of clinical edge in front of goal has been a recurring theme of the 13-time Premier League winners' struggles. 

United have scored just 12 goals in the Premier League so far, averaging a measly 1.09 per game. 

Injury to Rasmus Hojlund and a slow start from the likes of Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee haven't helped, but Brown has urged Amorim to push for a new man to lead the line moving forward. 

"Amorim will have to look at the squad to get a sense of where they need to improve.

"The striker area is something which is need reinforcement for sure. You only have to look at the stats to see Manchester United aren’t scoring enough goals and I am sure Amorim will be looking to get his side pushing forward and creating more chances."

United forward Rasmus Hojlund has only scored one goal in the league this season. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

Fans will get a first peek at the new-look Red Devils this weekend, when they travel to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town. 

Despite their poor form, United remain odds-on favourites at 4/6 with BetFred.

Ipswich sit at a best price of 9/2 with AKBets to score the upset, while QuinnBet offer the draw at 10/3. 

Brown was speaking exclusively to Odds Now via William Hill.