Ratcliffe Commits to Amorim’s Three-Year Tenure at Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, minority owner of Manchester United, has expressed his intention to give head coach Ruben Amorim a three-year period to prove his capabilities at the club. This announcement comes amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding Amorim’s performance since his appointment on November 1, 2022. Under Amorim, the team has struggled significantly, finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, their worst position since 1974.

Despite these challenges, Ratcliffe believes in Amorim’s potential. The coach’s current contract runs until the end of the 2026/27 season, allowing for an additional year based on performance. Ratcliffe stated during an interview on the Business podcast produced by The Times and The Sunday Times, “Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years.” He emphasized the need for patience, drawing parallels with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, who also faced difficulties in his early years.

Amorim’s time at Manchester United has been marked by several disappointments. The team has yet to achieve consecutive wins in the league and suffered an early exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town in August. Such setbacks have led to speculation about his job security, but Ratcliffe has reiterated his support for the coach.

Addressing concerns regarding potential pressure from the Glazer family, who remain the majority owners, Ratcliffe asserted, “It’s not going to happen,” referring to any suggestion that he would dismiss Amorim at their request. He noted that the Glazers have allowed him to take control of football operations, highlighting the geographical distance that makes managing the club from afar challenging.

Ratcliffe’s involvement with Manchester United has not been without controversy. His tenure has included significant staff reductions, with around 450 jobs cut as part of efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs. Ratcliffe defended these decisions, stating, “There was also a level of mediocrity and it had become bloated.” He acknowledged the backlash regarding the removal of perks such as subsidized staff lunches but emphasized the financial necessity of such measures.

The financial landscape for Manchester United remains complex. The club recently reported record revenues of £666.5 million for the last season but also noted a loss of £33 million for the financial year. Ratcliffe believes that implementing a sustainable financial strategy is crucial for the club’s future success. “The more cash you have got, the better squad you can build,” he stated, underscoring the correlation between profitability and on-field performance.

Looking ahead, Ratcliffe is optimistic about the club’s trajectory. He aims for Manchester United to become the most profitable football club in the world, which he believes will ultimately lead to a higher level of football. As Amorim approaches the one-year mark in his role, all eyes will be on how the team performs and whether the commitment to a long-term vision will yield positive results.