Ruben Amorim will be given three years to prove himself at Manchester United says Jim Ratcliffe | OneFootball

Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly reaffirmed his faith in under-fire head coach Ruben Amorim, insisting the Portuguese manager will be given three years to prove himself at Old Trafford, according to reports from Sky Sports.

Ratcliffe dismissed speculation surrounding Amorim’s future following United’s inconsistent start to the new season, declaring, “Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. Football is not overnight.”

Amorim, who took charge in November 2024, has endured a turbulent tenure, finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, United’s worst top-flight finish since 1974. This campaign has offered little reprieve, with an early Carabao Cup exit to League Two Grimsby adding pressure on the 40-year-old.

Despite that, Ratcliffe drew comparisons with Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, who also struggled early on before transforming the Gunners into title contenders. “We have to be patient,” Ratcliffe said. “We have a long-term plan. You can’t run Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions.”

Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, which purchased just under 30% of United in February 2024, now oversees football operations. When asked what would happen if the Glazers demanded Amorim’s dismissal, Ratcliffe was unequivocal: “It’s not going to happen.”

He added that the Glazers, often criticised by fans, had stepped back from day-to-day management. “They’re passionate about the club, but we’re the ones here with our feet on the ground.”

A new era of stability at United

Ratcliffe’s focus has extended beyond the dugout, implementing cost-cutting reforms and structural changes aimed at financial sustainability. “The biggest correlation between results and any factor is profitability,” he said. “Manchester United will become the most profitable football club in the world, and from that will stem long-term, sustainable success.”

For now, Amorim retains his backing and time to turn United’s fortunes around, though the clock at Old Trafford is always ticking louder than most.

GFN | Finn Entwistle