Ratcliffe Commits to Amorim’s Future at Manchester United

Ruben Amorim has been granted a three-year period to demonstrate his capabilities as the manager of Manchester United. This announcement comes from co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, who emphasized his commitment to avoiding impulsive decisions regarding the under-pressure manager’s future. Amorim has faced persistent speculation about his job security throughout the season, as United navigates a series of challenges.

Despite the turmoil, Amorim, who took over the managerial role in November 2024 after being hired from Sporting Lisbon, has expressed feelings of uncertainty. Earlier this season, he acknowledged contemplating resignation during particularly dire moments for the club. Last season, United finished 15th in the Premier League, marking their lowest final position in the top flight since 1973-74. They also missed a critical opportunity to qualify for the Champions League after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham, who have also struggled this season.

Currently, United sits in 10th place after a challenging start, losing three of their first seven league matches. The team also faced a surprising defeat in the League Cup against Grimsby, a fourth-tier club. Under Amorim’s leadership, the team has yet to secure consecutive victories in the league since he replaced the dismissed Erik ten Hag. The upcoming match against defending champions Liverpool poses another significant test for the beleaguered squad.

Despite ongoing speculation about his potential dismissal, Ratcliffe remains steadfast in his support for Amorim. He stated, “Ruben needs to demonstrate that he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be,” during an interview on The Business podcast, produced by The Times and The Sunday Times. Ratcliffe criticized the media for expecting instant success, asserting that managing a club of Manchester United’s stature requires patience and a long-term vision.

Ratcliffe, who has held nearly 30% ownership of United since February 2024, oversees football operations while the Glazer family retains overall control. The Glazers have faced significant fan backlash since taking charge in 2005, especially as United has not secured the English title since 2013, nor won a European trophy since the 2017 Europa League.

When questioned about the Glazers potentially pressuring him to dismiss Amorim, Ratcliffe firmly stated, “It’s not going to happen.” He indicated that the Glazers support his leadership, noting the geographical distance between them and the club’s operations as a factor in his decision-making. “They get a bad rap, but they are really nice people and they are really passionate about the club,” Ratcliffe added.

Ratcliffe has faced criticism for cost-cutting measures at United, including the elimination of around 450 jobs and the removal of benefits such as subsidized staff lunches. He defended these actions, explaining that the financial situation necessitated a reevaluation of expenses. “The costs were just too high… it had become bloated,” he said.

He highlighted the correlation between profitability and success, stating, “The more cash you have, the better squad you can build.” Ratcliffe emphasized that much of his focus in the first year has been on stabilizing the club’s financial health, laying the groundwork for future success.