Ratcliffe Grants Amorim Three Years to Demonstrate Success at Manchester United
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has granted Ruben Amorim a three-year period to showcase his managerial abilities, confirming he will not make a hasty judgment regarding the manager's position despite ongoing speculation.
Amorim has faced persistent doubts about his job security throughout the current campaign as the club has navigated numerous setbacks.
The ex-Sporting Lisbon manager, appointed by Ratcliffe in November 2024, revealed earlier this season that he contemplated stepping down during United's toughest periods.
Last term, Amorim's team ended the Premier League season in 15th place, their lowest top-flight standing since 1973-74, and missed Champions League qualification after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham, another club struggling this season.
Currently ranked tenth, United have shown limited improvement this year, suffering three defeats in their opening seven league fixtures and suffering a surprise League Cup elimination at the hands of fourth-division side Grimsby.
Since replacing Erik ten Hag, Amorim has not achieved consecutive Premier League victories, with United's next challenge being an away match against Premier League champions Liverpool following the international break.
Despite ongoing speculation about Amorim's potential dismissal following his team's recent victory over newly promoted Sunderland, Ratcliffe affirmed the 40-year-old will receive sufficient time to restore stability.
"His recent season has not been his strongest. Ruben must prove his coaching excellence over the next three years. That is my position," Ratcliffe stated during an interview on The Times and The Sunday Times' Business podcast.
"I sometimes struggle to comprehend the press. They expect immediate results, as if success can be turned on like a light switch. Flicking a switch won't magically make everything perfect overnight.
"Managing a club of Manchester United's stature cannot be done by reacting hastily to weekly outbursts from journalists."
No free lunches
Ratcliffe has held just under 30 percent ownership of United since February 2024, assuming responsibility for football operations at the club with 20 English league titles.
This arrangement leaves the Glazer family, who have faced widespread fan protests since their 2005 takeover, still in overall control at Old Trafford.
United last won the English championship in 2013, while their most recent European success came with the 2017 Europa League trophy.
When questioned about the possibility of the Glazers ordering Amorim's dismissal, Ratcliffe replied, "That will not occur."
The INEOS leader noted the Glazers were content for him to take charge, adding, "That likely captures the essence. We are local while they are situated across the Atlantic Ocean.
"Managing a club as large and complex as Manchester United from such a distance is impractical. We are present on the ground, actively involved.
"Although they face criticism, they are genuinely good people with a deep commitment to the club."
Ratcliffe has also faced scrutiny following controversial cost-cutting measures at United, which led to approximately 450 job cuts and the removal of benefits such as subsidised staff meals.
"The expenses were excessively high. Manchester United has many exceptional individuals, but there was also a degree of mediocrity and the club had become overextended," he explained.
"I received considerable criticism over the complimentary meal policy, yet I have never been offered a free meal myself.
"Whether one agrees or not, the strongest connection between performance and external factors is financial health. Greater resources enable building a stronger squad.
"Therefore, much of our initial year has focused on dedicating significant time to establishing the club on a sustainable and solid financial foundation."