Ratcliffe Supports Amorim with Three-Year Plan at Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, minority owner of Manchester United, has expressed his intention to give head coach Ruben Amorim a three-year period to prove his capabilities at the club. This commitment comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of Amorim’s performance since his appointment on November 1, 2022. Under his leadership, Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, their worst finish since 1974, and struggled to achieve consistency, notably failing to secure back-to-back wins.

Amorim’s contract extends until the end of the 2026/27 season, allowing for a potential extra year. Ratcliffe emphasized the need for patience as the team navigates challenges, stating, “Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years.” He likened Amorim’s situation to that of Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, who faced difficulties in his early tenure but ultimately succeeded.

The pressure on Amorim intensified following Manchester United’s early exit from the Carabao Cup in August 2023, where they were defeated by League Two side Grimsby. Despite these setbacks, Ratcliffe remains optimistic about Amorim’s potential to turn the club’s fortunes around.

Ratcliffe’s Vision for the Future

Ratcliffe acquired a 30 percent stake in Manchester United through his chemicals company INEOS in February 2024, gaining control over football operations. He addressed concerns about the Glazer family’s involvement, which has been a contentious issue among fans. Ratcliffe asserted, “It’s not going to happen” when asked if he would consider dismissing Amorim if the Glazers demanded it. He believes that the Glazers are supportive of his leadership approach, stating, “We’re local and they’re the other side of the pond,” highlighting the geographical and operational differences in managing the club.

While Ratcliffe has faced criticism for cost-cutting measures that resulted in approximately 450 job cuts and the elimination of perks such as subsidized staff lunches, he defended these actions as necessary for financial sustainability. “The costs were just too high,” he remarked, acknowledging the presence of some “fantastic people” at the club while also noting a degree of “mediocrity” that had led to a bloated structure.

Financial Strategy and Future Goals

Ratcliffe’s focus is on establishing a stable financial footing for Manchester United, which reported record revenues of £666.5 million last season but also recorded a loss of £33 million for the financial year. He believes that profitability is directly linked to success on the field, stating, “The more cash you have got, the better squad you can build.”

Looking ahead, Ratcliffe is confident that the restructuring efforts will yield positive results, saying, “Those numbers will get better. Manchester United will become the most profitable football club in the world, in my view.” He aims for this profitability to support a long-term, sustainable level of high-quality football at the club.

As Manchester United navigates these transitional years, the spotlight remains on Amorim and his ability to deliver results. With Ratcliffe’s backing, the club may find the stability needed to recover and thrive in the competitive landscape of football.