Ratcliffe Backs Amorim for Long-Term Success at Manchester United, cites Arsenal’s patience with Arteta as model, urges fans to give Portuguese coach until 2027
Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly reaffirmed his support for under-fire manager Ruben Amorim, indicating he is prepared to give the Portuguese coach until the end of his contract in 2027 to turn the club’s fortunes around. Despite a challenging start to the season, with only 10 Premier League wins in 10 months, Ratcliffe emphasized a long-term approach, drawing parallels with Arsenal’s patience with Mikel Arteta.
Speaking on The Business podcast with The Times, Ratcliffe acknowledged Amorim’s struggles, noting, “He has not had the best of seasons.” However, he urged fans and critics to avoid expecting instant success, stating, “Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be, three years, because football is not overnight.” He pointed to Arteta’s early struggles at Arsenal, where the Spaniard faced criticism before transforming the Gunners into title contenders, as a blueprint for United’s approach.
Amorim, 40, recently celebrated a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Sunderland in his 50th game in charge, though his 40% win rate remains the lowest of any permanent United manager since Frank O’Farrell in the 1970s. Despite calls from some supporters for his sacking, Ratcliffe dismissed “knee-jerk” reactions, criticizing the press for demanding immediate results. “You can’t run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week,” he said.
Sources close to the club indicate that United’s players remain supportive of Amorim, and the recent win has lifted spirits at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe’s comments signal a commitment to stability, with the co-owner determined to give Amorim the time needed to implement his vision and restore Manchester United to its former glory.
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