Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly addressed the future of Manchester United's head coach, Ruben Amorim, offering a vote of confidence despite the team's struggles. Ratcliffe, who acquired a minority stake in the club in February 2024 and controls football operations, stated that Amorim will be given three years to prove himself.
Amorim's appointment in November 2024 was intended to usher in a new era at Old Trafford, replacing Erik ten Hag. However, the 40-year-old Portuguese manager has faced considerable challenges in revitalizing the Red Devils. The team currently sits 10th in the Premier League, a significant distance from the top contenders. Last season saw them finish in 15th place, their worst top-flight result since 1974. They were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby, a League Two team.
Speaking on The Business podcast, Ratcliffe emphasized the need for patience and stability, dismissing the idea of "knee-jerk reactions". He acknowledged that Amorim has not had the best of seasons but insisted that the coach deserves time to implement his vision. "Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That's where I would be," Ratcliffe stated. He also commented on the media's demand for instant success, arguing that building a successful club like Manchester United requires a long-term strategy.
Ratcliffe also addressed the dynamic with the Glazer family, who maintain majority ownership of Manchester United. He downplayed any potential conflict regarding Amorim's future, stating, "It's not going to happen" when asked about the possibility of the Glazers pushing for Amorim's dismissal. Ratcliffe emphasized that his group is local and actively involved in the day-to-day operations, whereas the Glazers are based overseas.
Despite the team's underwhelming performance, there are indications that Amorim retains the support of the Manchester United squad. A source told Sky Sports News that the club feels more united behind the manager during this tough period. Jason Wilcox, the director of football, has reportedly gauged the opinions of players, and the consensus is that they are happy with Amorim and his philosophy. Furthermore, United believes that underlying data and metrics suggest the team is improving, despite poor results. The team's performance against Arsenal and the first halves against Burnley and Sunderland have been cited as examples of progress. The Sunderland performance, in particular, demonstrated flexibility from Amorim, who has sometimes been criticized for lacking adaptability.
Amorim himself is aware of the pressure and has admitted that his job will be at risk if results do not improve. He was appointed as Manchester United head coach on a contract running until 2027. Ratcliffe's public backing provides Amorim with a crucial window to turn things around and deliver the success that Manchester United fans crave. Ratcliffe's commitment to a long-term approach signals a departure from the short-termism that has often characterized the club's decision-making in recent years.
