Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has expressed strong support for manager Ruben Amorim, who is currently under scrutiny, indicating that the Portuguese tactician might be granted up to two additional years to revitalize the club’s performance.
The Red Devils have experienced a sluggish start to the campaign, securing just three victories in their opening seven fixtures.
Since his appointment last November, Amorim has faced considerable challenges, managing only 19 wins across 50 matches at the helm.
Currently, Manchester United sits in 10th place in the Premier League standings, having recorded a solitary win in each month of the season so far.
Ratcliffe’s Endorsement of Amorim
Ratcliffe emphasized that the INEOS consortium, which oversees the club’s football operations, intends to avoid hasty decisions regarding the managerial position.
He further clarified that the Glazer family, who hold the majority ownership, are unlikely to push for a change in management.
In a conversation with The Times’ Business Podcast, Ratcliffe admitted, “This season hasn’t been ideal. Ruben must prove his capabilities as a top-tier coach over a span of three years. That’s the timeframe I would consider.”
Ratcliffe, whose INEOS group now directs the club’s sporting strategy, insisted that all critical decisions would be made on-site rather than from the Glazers’ base overseas. “A managerial dismissal driven by ownership won’t occur,” he stated firmly. “We are grounded here, making decisions with direct involvement.”
The 73-year-old billionaire also expressed his discontent with the media’s impatience, cautioning against the unrealistic expectation of instant triumphs.
“People expect it to be as simple as flipping a switch and everything instantly improving,” Ratcliffe remarked. “Managing a club of Manchester United’s stature cannot be subject to knee-jerk reactions fueled by weekly sensationalist journalism.”
Since INEOS took a minority stake on December 24, 2023, Ratcliffe’s stewardship has faced backlash from supporters and club personnel alike, particularly concerning staff layoffs, rising ticket costs, and the displacement of long-term season-ticket holders.