Ruben Amorim says it would be "crazy" to consider Manchester United as candidates to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

United are 13th in the Premier League after suffering a 13th defeat of the season in Tuesday's match against Nottingham Forest.

That is just one short of the Red Devils' record number of losses in a single campaign in the competition, set in 2023-24 under Erik ten Hag.

With United 36 points behind leaders Liverpool with eight games to go, Amorim is realistic about where his side currently stand.

Speaking at a news conference ahead of Sunday's derby with Manchester City, Amorim said: "We are doing a lot of things.

"We are putting some standards, and sometimes we change players so they have to adjust to our new standards.

"I know it is difficult to do that in just one year. I am not saying we are going to win the title next year, I am not crazy. 

"We are suffering a lot to be, next year, a lot better and that is our goal."

Reports earlier this year suggested United chiefs, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have set a target to win their next title by 2028.

That gives Amorim three years to get his side back to the top of the pile, but he says he cannot think that far ahead.

"I know that we are not going to be the biggest contender in the next year or two years," he said. "I know we need to do a lot of things. 

"We are in a rush. What I don't want to think is we need a lot of years to be competitive. I can't think like that. I cannot manage that. It is not me. 

"Not just Man City but other teams. They are already in a place that we need a lot to catch them. They will improve for sure again next season."

United need to win all eight of their remaining league games to avoid registering their lowest points tally in a Premier League season.

After a tricky start to life at Old Trafford, Amorim has reiterated he would like to be backed in terms of new signings ahead of his first full campaign in charge.

"I just want to focus on our strengths and then try to use our club to try to bring one or two players, big players," he said. 

"Although sometimes big players for me is different for you [the media]."

Amorim also confirmed Matthijs de Ligt will be assessed after sustaining a knock against Forest, while he is hopeful Kobbie Mainoo will be ready.