Ratcliffe Backs Amorim, Gives Him Three Years to Prove Himself at Manchester United

Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has pledged his support for under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim, granting him three years to prove his worth at Old Trafford.

Amorim, appointed in November 2024 following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, has faced intense speculation over his future after a string of poor results. The Portuguese manager endured a difficult first season, guiding United to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League their worst since 1974 and missing out on Champions League qualification after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

United’s struggles have continued this season, with the team sitting 10th after seven league games and suffering a shock League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby Town. Despite their inconsistent form, Ratcliffe has insisted that Amorim will not be dismissed prematurely.

“He hasn’t had the best of seasons,” Ratcliffe said on The Business Podcast by The Times and The Sunday Times. “Ruben needs to show he’s a great coach over three years. You can’t run a club like Manchester United based on knee-jerk reactions.”

Ratcliffe, who owns just under 30 percent of the club and oversees football operations, also addressed tensions with the Glazer family, who remain majority owners. He noted that the Glazers were “happy” for him to take charge, adding that his proximity to the club gives him an advantage.

“They’re across the pond, and we’re here with our feet on the ground,” Ratcliffe said. “They get a bad rap, but they’re passionate about the club.”

The British billionaire also defended recent cost-cutting measures that led to around 450 job cuts and the removal of staff perks such as subsidised meals.

“The costs were just too high,” he explained. “There were some fantastic people at Manchester United, but also a level of mediocrity. No one has ever given me a free lunch.”

Ratcliffe said the restructuring aims to ensure long-term financial sustainability. “The biggest correlation between success and any external factor is profitability. The more cash you have, the better squad you can build,” he said.

Manchester United, who last won the Premier League in 2013 and the Europa League in 2017, will face defending champions Liverpool after the international break.