Is Sir Jim Ratcliffe right to give Ruben Amorim three years at Manchester United?

Manchester United’s minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has pledged to give Ruben Amorim three years to prove himself at Manchester United. 

Amorim joined United in November 2024 following an impressive four-year spell at Sporting CP, where he won five trophies including two Primeira Liga titles. 

However, he has endured a difficult time in Manchester so far, recording just 19 wins from 50 matches in charge. 

Media reports would have you believe that the Portuguese is just one or two defeats away from getting sacked as United manager. 

But Ratcliffe has publicly said that Amorim will be given three years to prove he is a great coach. 

He told The Times’ The Business podcast: “He has not had the best of seasons. Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be.”

The Red Devils have consistently sacked managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, and that strategy clearly has not worked. 

Sticking with Amorim could be the right decision, as he is an excellent young coach with a clear philosophy and style of play. 

Arsenal stuck with Mikel Arteta when results were poor, and now they have been consistently challenging for the Premier League title. 

However, there are no signs of improvement under Amorim despite significant summer investments. 

He has had a full pre-season with the team and also added four top quality players to the squad, including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens. 

Trending

Chelsea agree £60 million deal to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton

Yet they are already out of the Carabao Cup and currently sitting 10th in the Premier League after winning three of their seven games. They have lost to fourth-tier Grimsby Town, Brentford and Manchester City. 

Despite clear evidence that his system is not working, Amorim refuses to adapt or change his tactics. 

His team selections have also raised concerns, with talented youngster Kobbie Mainoo yet to start a top-flight match. 

Mainoo is said to be unhappy with his situation and will likely push for a loan exit in January. 

Football is a cut-throat, results-driven business and Amorim himself admitted earlier this month he will be sacked if the club’s fortunes don’t improve. 

Despite what Ratcliffe said, the Portuguese is unlikely to be given three years to prove himself at Old Trafford.