Boluwatife Kehinde
Ruben Amorim is expected to have three years to demonstrate his capabilities at Manchester United, as co-owner Jim Ratcliffe emphasizes the importance of thoughtful decision-making regarding the manager’s future amid ongoing challenges.
Throughout this season, there has been considerable speculation about Amorim’s position as United has faced various difficulties.
The former Sporting Lisbon manager, appointed by Ratcliffe in November 2024, openly acknowledged that he contemplated resigning during some of United’s more challenging periods.
Last season, his team finished 15th in the Premier League, marking the club’s lowest final position since 1973-74, along with a missed opportunity to qualify for the Champions League following a loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final. As of now, United sits in tenth place, having struggled this season with three losses in their first seven league matches, including an unexpected League Cup setback against fourth-tier Grimsby.
Since taking over from Erik ten Hag, Amorim has yet to achieve back-to-back Premier League victories, with a match against reigning champions Liverpool on the horizon following the international break. Despite ongoing discussions about his job security, Ratcliffe reassured that the 40-year-old will be granted the necessary time to effect change.
“He hasn’t had the most favorable season, but Ruben needs to show his potential as a top coach over the next three years,” Ratcliffe stated on The Business podcast, produced by The Times and The Sunday Times.
He emphasised the unrealistic expectations often expressed by the media, which may desire instant success as if it were a simple switch to flip.
Ratcliffe’s involvement with United has been significant since acquiring nearly 30 percent of the club in February 2024, taking control of football operations while the Glazer family retains overall leadership amid ongoing fan protests since 2005. The club has not won the English title since 2013, and their last European trophy came in 2017 with the Europa League.
When asked about the possibility of the Glazers instructing him to dismiss Amorim, Ratcliffe expressed confidence: “That’s not going to happen.” He added that the Glazers support his leadership, stating, “We are local, and they are on the other side of the pond, making it challenging to manage a club as significant as Manchester United remotely.”
Ratcliffe has faced criticism for recent cost-cutting measures at United, which included the elimination of approximately 450 jobs and the removal of employee perks like subsidized lunches.
“The expenses had become unmanageable. While we have many talented individuals at Manchester United, there was also a sense of mediocrity, and it had grown bloated,” he explained.
He acknowledged the backlash regarding the free lunch policy, remarking, “No one has ever provided me with a free lunch.” Ratcliffe noted the connection between financial health and team performance, stating, “The correlation between results and profitability is significant. The more available funds you have, the better team you can assemble. Our initial focus has been on placing the club on a sustainable and healthy path for the future.”
