Wolves forward Diogo Jota has suggested Manchester United might have to face up to the prospect of their fan base dwindling if they don't get back to winning Premier League titles.
United have not won the league since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 and have failed to put up a credible challenge in that time.
Jota says it is already becoming evident in his home country that support for Manchester City is growing as a result of the Etihad club's consistent success this decade.
"Of course Man United will always be a great team. But when City and Liverpool are winning titles, they have more fans supporting them in Portugal," Jota told Mail Online.
"It has to do with the moment and we have to be honest and say that Liverpool is having a better moment right now than Man United.
"Everyone likes winners and when the younger fans look at other countries, they like to see a team that is winning like Man City and Liverpool."
United go to Molineux on Monday night looking for a win that will take them to the top of the Premier League table and Jota warned his teammates that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side has improved since the two teams last met in April.
"This is a new season – nothing to do with matches last season," Jota added. "If you looked at Manchester United in their first game against Chelsea, they looked very strong. I think it's going to be hard for us. We have to hold them when we need to, then try to get on the attack.
"United have tried to improve their team and have had time to work with each other in pre-season.
"Of course Harry Maguire has qualities but our job is to try and get past him. Those valuations for players are hard to explain. The market is unreal but it's nothing to do with me. It is to do with the clubs and the moment we are living. I know the defenders we have in our team and I trust them."
