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Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has publicly committed to providing Ruben Amorim with a three-year timeframe to demonstrate his effectiveness as the club’s manager, firmly rejecting any hasty decisions about the coach’s tenure despite growing external pressures.
Amorim has faced intense scrutiny throughout the current season, with widespread speculation about his potential removal as Manchester United continues to struggle on multiple fronts.
Since Ratcliffe appointed the former Sporting Lisbon manager in November 2024, Amorim has openly admitted to experiencing moments of uncertainty, even considering stepping down during some of the club’s most challenging spells.
Last season, under Amorim’s leadership, Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League-their lowest standing since the 1973-74 campaign-and failed to qualify for the Champions League after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham, a match contested by two underperforming teams.
The current season has yet to show significant progress, with United positioned 10th after dropping three of their first seven league games and suffering a shocking League Cup defeat to fourth-tier side Grimsby Town.
Since replacing Erik ten Hag, Amorim has not managed to secure consecutive Premier League wins. The team’s upcoming fixture is a challenging away match against reigning champions Liverpool following the international break.
Despite persistent rumors about his job security, Ratcliffe stressed that the 40-year-old coach will be given ample opportunity to turn the club’s fortunes around, especially after a recent victory over newly promoted Sunderland.
“Ruben’s season hasn’t gone as well as hoped so far. He must prove his credentials as a top-level manager over the next three years-that’s my position,” Ratcliffe stated during an appearance on The Business podcast, produced by The Times and The Sunday Times.
“The media often demands immediate triumphs, as if success can be switched on instantly. Managing a club of Manchester United’s magnitude cannot be subject to knee-jerk reactions driven by weekly sensational headlines.”
– ‘No shortcuts to success’ –
Since acquiring nearly a 30% stake in February 2024, Ratcliffe has taken an active role in overseeing football operations at the historic club, while the Glazer family-who have faced ongoing fan protests since their 2005 takeover-remain the majority shareholders.
Manchester United’s last Premier League championship dates back to 2013, with their most recent European success being the 2017 Europa League title.
When asked if the Glazers might push for Amorim’s dismissal, Ratcliffe was clear: “That’s not on the table.”
He described the Glazers as supportive of his leadership, adding, “We’re local and they’re across the Atlantic. It’s a long distance to effectively manage a club as vast and complex as Manchester United. We’re here on the ground, hands-on.”
Ratcliffe also defended the Glazers’ reputation, saying, “They often get unfair criticism, but they are genuinely kind and deeply invested in the club’s success.”
Addressing concerns about cost-cutting measures-including the elimination of roughly 450 jobs and the removal of perks like subsidized staff meals-Ratcliffe justified these steps as essential for the club’s financial sustainability.
“The previous spending levels were unsustainable. While Manchester United employs many outstanding people, there was also a culture of complacency and excess,” he explained.
“I’ve faced criticism for ending free lunches, but I’ve never had one myself.”
He further emphasized the connection between financial stability and on-field achievements: “Whether people accept it or not, profitability strongly correlates with results. The more resources you have, the better squad you can build.”
“Much of our first year has been focused on laying a sustainable and solid foundation for the club’s future.”