Ruben Amorim has been allocated a three-year period to demonstrate his managerial capabilities at Manchester United, following co-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s assertion that he will not impulsively decide on the future of the embattled manager.
Amorim has faced ongoing speculation regarding his job security throughout the season as the club navigated multiple crises. The former Sporting Lisbon manager, appointed by Ratcliffe in November 2024, acknowledged earlier this season that he contemplated resigning during particularly challenging periods for the club.
Last season, the team finished 15th in the Premier League, marking their lowest position in the top flight since the 1973-74 season, and missed an opportunity to qualify for the Champions League by losing the Europa League final to Tottenham, another struggling team. This season, United has performed marginally better, currently positioned in 10th place, with three losses in their first seven league matches and a surprising defeat in the League Cup against fourth-tier Grimsby.
Amorim has yet to secure consecutive Premier League victories since succeeding the dismissed Erik ten Hag, with a forthcoming match against defending champions Liverpool after the international break. Despite ongoing discussions regarding his potential dismissal, Ratcliffe confirmed that the 40-year-old manager will be afforded the necessary time to effect change.
“He has not enjoyed the best of seasons. Ruben must demonstrate his capabilities as an exceptional coach over the course of three years. That is my perspective,” Ratcliffe stated during an interview on The Business podcast produced by The Times and The Sunday Times. “There exists a desire among some members of the press for immediate success. They seem to believe it is as simple as flipping a switch and achieving instant improvement. However, a club of Manchester United’s stature cannot operate on impulsive reactions to the opinions of journalists who express strong views weekly.”
Ratcliffe, who has held just under 30 percent ownership of United since February 2024, when he assumed control of football operations, noted that the Glazer family, who have faced substantial fan opposition since their acquisition in 2005, retain overall authority at Old Trafford. The club has not clinched the English title since 2013 and last secured a European trophy in 2017 with the Europa League triumph.
When queried about the potential scenario in which the Glazer family might instruct him to terminate Amorim's contract, Ratcliffe responded, “Such an event is not a realistic consideration.” He asserted that the Glazers support his leadership, remarking, “This likely encapsulates the situation. We are local, while they are situated across the ocean. Managing a club as large and complex as Manchester United from such a distance presents significant challenges. Our presence here ensures we are grounded in reality.”
Ratcliffe has also faced criticism following controversial cost-cutting measures at the club, which included the elimination of approximately 450 positions and the removal of benefits such as subsidized meals for staff. He explained, “The expenditure was excessively high. While there are many commendable individuals at Manchester United, a degree of mediocrity had also crept in, resulting in a bloated operational structure. I have received considerable backlash regarding the removal of free lunches; however, no one has ever offered me a complimentary meal.”
He emphasized, “There exists a strong correlation, whether one accepts it or not, between performance levels and profitability. The greater the financial resources available, the stronger the squad that can be assembled. Consequently, much of our initial efforts have focused on establishing the club on a sustainable and financially stable foundation.”