Sir Jim Ratcliffe Backs Manchester United Boss Despite the Pressure

Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has expressed his full support for head coach Ruben Amorim, saying he intends to give the Portuguese tactician three years to prove his worth at Old Trafford despite growing pressure over results.

Amorim, who took charge of United on November 1 last year, is nearing his first anniversary in the role but continues to face constant scrutiny over the team’s performance. The Red Devils have yet to achieve back-to-back Premier League victories under his management, finishing a disappointing 15th last season, which was their lowest league finish since 1974.

The team’s struggles have continued into the new campaign, with United suffering a shock Carabao Cup exit in August after being beaten by League Two side Grimsby Town. These setbacks have sparked speculation about Amorim’s future, but Ratcliffe insists that the 40-year-old deserves time to implement his ideas and develop the team.

“Ruben needs to show he’s an exceptional coach over three years,” Ratcliffe told The Business podcast, produced by The Times and The Sunday Times. “Yes, he’ll get three years. That’s how I see it. Football doesn’t change overnight. You have to build something sustainable.”

Drawing comparisons to Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, who faced early struggles before turning his team into title contenders, Ratcliffe urged fans and critics to remain patient. “Arteta went through a rough patch at the start, but Arsenal believed in him and it paid off,” he said. “We’re thinking long-term. It’s not something you can fix with the flick of a switch. You can’t run Manchester United by reacting to every headline or opinion that comes out each week.”

What If the Glazers Disagree?

Ratcliffe, who purchased just under 30 percent of Manchester United through his company INEOS in February 2024, currently oversees all football operations at the club. The Glazer family, however, remains the majority shareholders and has long been a source of fan frustration over their management approach since taking control in 2005.

When asked what would happen if the Glazers demanded Amorim’s dismissal, Ratcliffe was quick to respond: “That’s not going to happen.”

He explained that the Glazers were comfortable allowing him to manage football matters, saying, “That probably says it all. We’re here on the ground, while they’re based across the Atlantic. It’s difficult to run such a massive and complex club from so far away. We’re local, and we understand what’s happening day to day.”

Ratcliffe also defended the Glazers against some of the harsh criticism they often face, describing them as “genuinely passionate” about the club. “They get a bad rap, but they’re actually really nice people who do care deeply about Manchester United,” he added.

Ratcliffe Responds to Criticism Over Job Cuts

The British billionaire has recently faced backlash for a series of cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford, including the loss of around 450 staff positions and the removal of benefits such as subsidised meals.

“The club had simply become too expensive to run efficiently,” he explained. “There are some amazing people at Manchester United, but there was also a level of mediocrity, and it had become bloated. I took some criticism for ending free lunches, but I’ve never been given a free lunch myself.”

Ratcliffe justified the changes as part of a wider plan to make the club financially stronger and better equipped to compete in the long term. “The biggest link between success and anything external, whether people like it or not, is profitability,” he said. “The more financial stability you have, the better your chances of building a winning squad.”

He noted that INEOS had focused heavily on restructuring United’s finances during their first year in charge. “We’ve spent a lot of time putting the club on a sustainable and healthy footing,” he said. “The full benefits of those efforts aren’t visible yet in the latest financial results, but they will be.”

United recently announced record revenues of £666.5 million for last season but still posted a £33 million loss for the financial year, with no Champions League football. Ratcliffe remains confident the numbers will improve. “I believe Manchester United will become the most profitable football club in the world,” he stated. “From that foundation, we can build a long-term model for consistent, top-level football.”

United Players Back Amorim’s Vision

Despite mixed results, reports suggest the Manchester United squad continues to support Amorim and his tactical approach. According to Sky Sports News, the players have shown belief in his philosophy, even as the team experiences ups and downs early in the season.

Ratcliffe’s stance on giving Amorim time to prove himself is said to reflect the mood among the squad. Director of football Jason Wilcox has reportedly spoken with several players during training-ground discussions, and the general sentiment is that the team is behind their manager.

While younger players like Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee are understandably eager for more playing time, most of the squad appear united in their support of Amorim’s leadership. Senior figures, including Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount, have publicly praised the Portuguese coach in recent interviews, emphasizing his clear vision and strong communication.