Ruben Amorim: Jim Ratcliffe Offers Three-Year Tenure to Manchester United Coach
In a recent statement, minority owner of Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, expressed strong support for head coach Ruben Amorim. Ratcliffe indicated that he would like to give Amorim a three-year tenure to demonstrate his capabilities at the club.
Ruben Amorim’s Contract and Performance
Amorim, who signed a contract running through to the end of the 2026/27 season, has faced challenges since his appointment nearly a year ago on November 1, 2022. His tenure has been marked by a struggle for consistent performance.
- 15th place finish in the 2022/23 Premier League season, the club’s worst since 1974.
- Early elimination from the Carabao Cup in August 2023 after being defeated by League Two’s Grimsby Town.
Ratcliffe’s Confidence in Amorim
Despite the pressures surrounding Amorim, Ratcliffe described the 40-year-old as a “good guy” and believes in giving him time to turn the team’s fortunes around. He pointed to the example of Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, who faced difficulties in his early years but eventually succeeded.
Ratcliffe stated, “Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years,” emphasizing the need for patience in football management.
Ownership Dynamics at Manchester United
Ratcliffe acquired nearly 30 percent of Manchester United through his chemicals company INEOS in February 2024. He has since taken control of the football operations, while the Glazer family remains the principal owners of the club.
Despite fan protests against the Glazers, Ratcliffe conveyed that both parties are aligned on management strategies, asserting, “It’s not going to happen” in reference to any potential sacking of Amorim if the Glazers requested it.
Financial Restructuring and Future Goals
Under Ratcliffe’s direction, cost-cutting measures have been implemented, resulting in the loss of approximately 450 jobs and changes to staff benefits. Although these steps drew criticism, Ratcliffe defended them as necessary for the club’s sustainability and profitability.
He stated, “The biggest correlation between results and any external factor is profitability.” Ratcliffe believes that building a strong, profitable squad is essential for Manchester United’s future success.
Looking Ahead
Manchester United recently reported record revenues of £666.5 million for the last season, although they faced a loss of £33 million financially. Ratcliffe is optimistic that the restructuring efforts will lead to improved future performance and aims for Manchester United to become the most profitable football club in the world.
With the club at a pivotal moment, the coming years will be crucial for both Amorim and the overall management structure at Manchester United.
