Amorim demands urgency at Man Utd even with Ratcliffe's support

Ruben Amorim, Manchester United's head coach, emphasised that any backing from co-owner Jim Ratcliffe holds no value unless he manages to reverse the team's poor performance.

In a recent discussion on The Times' The Business podcast, the British magnate Ratcliffe noted that Amorim needs to establish himself as an exceptional manager across a three-year span.

Amorim is nearing his first anniversary at Old Trafford, yet he has failed to secure consecutive triumphs in the Premier League so far.

Notching such a win on the road against Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday could represent a vital breakthrough, though the Portuguese tactician recognises the relentless scrutiny he will endure until outcomes turn positive.

"You know, I know and Jim knows that football is not like that," Amorim commented during his pre-match briefing on Friday, in response to Ratcliffe's proposed duration.

"The most important thing is the next game."

United wrapped up last season in 15th place in the Premier League, their worst position in 51 years, and they blew an opportunity for Champions League qualification by falling to Tottenham in the Europa League final.

This campaign has brought scant improvement, with the side in 10th spot after dropping three of their opening seven league fixtures and suffering an unexpected League Cup exit to fourth-division Grimsby.

Nevertheless, Amorim continues to enjoy the confidence of Ratcliffe, along with CEO Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox.

"First of all, I can feel it. It's not just that thing that people talk, I feel it every day. Sometimes the pressure that I put on the team, on myself, is so much bigger than them," said Amorim.

"I know that it's going to take a while but I don't want to think like that. I said that last year. I think it also helps our fans to understand that the leadership understands that it's going to take a while.

"But, at the same moment, I don't like that because it will give a feeling that we have time to work things out. I don't want that feeling here in our club.

"It's good to feel the support but we need to prove in football, and especially in big clubs, that in every weekend we are ready to win games."

A 2-0 success against Sunderland prior to the international window reduced the questions over Amorim's role.

Debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens impressed positively versus the Black Cats, prompting some United followers to liken him to legendary stopper Peter Schmeichel.

Throughout Amorim's tenure, United's netminders Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir have been plagued by repeated mistakes in goal.

"The first impression in this club is really important. To maintain the level is even more important and is really difficult," said Amorim.

"He's not Schmeichel, yet, he's a young guy with talent, he showed a lot of composure and the fans liked it but that is in the past and we need to prove in the next game."