Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has welcomed Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public backing but stressed that nothing in football is ever certain — not even tomorrow. The Portuguese boss, under pressure after a run of poor results, appreciates Ratcliffe’s long-term vision but insists his focus stays firmly on the next game.
Speaking to The Times last week, Sir Jim Ratcliffe suggested it would take Ruben Amorim three years to make an impact at Old Trafford. The comments came at an important time for the 40-year-old, whose job has looked increasingly under threat following United’s erratic opening. Ratcliffe’s words were interpreted as an attempt to deescalate, and to project patience, from the club’s leadership in this tricky transition.
Ruben Amorim appreciates trust but focuses on the present
Ahead of United’s 100th meeting with Liverpool at Anfield, Amorim was asked about Ratcliffe’s statement. While he welcomed the sentiment, the coach underlined that such commitments do not change the nature of the sport.
“It is really good to hear it but he tells me all the time, sometimes with a message after games — but you know, I know, and Jim knows that football is not like that,” Amorim said. “The most important thing is the next game. Even with owners, you cannot control the next day in football.”
The United manager acknowledged that having leadership stability helps calm external speculation, but he remains grounded in his approach. His stance reflects a pragmatic mindset — he recognises the importance of long-term planning yet refuses to let it dilute the urgency required at a club of United’s stature.
Chief executive Omar Berrada recently admitted that Amorim’s adaptation to the Premier League has taken longer than initially expected. Amorim has recorded a total of just 10 wins in the 34 Premier League games since he arrived from Sporting CP last November, United have failed to win two successive league matches this season and are yet to rise above ninth in the table.
It is these kind of stats which have fuelled pressure from fans – and that will only increase amid a tough run of fixtures. The visit to Anfield — always an intimidating journey for the Red Devils — is coming with belief around the fanbase.
Pressure remains the constant factor
Despite the bad run, Amorim insisted there is no sense of panic within the dressing room or at Carrington, United’s training complex. He maintains that the internal expectations are already immense — far greater than any pressure imposed externally.
“It’s not just a thing that people talk about, I feel it every day,” he said. “It’s really good to hear it because it helps our fans understand that leadership knows it is going to take a while. But at the same moment, I don’t like it because it gives a feeling that we have time to work things out. I don’t want that feeling in our club.”
Ruben Amorim believes that pressure is a vital component of United’s identity, urging his players to deliver every weekend regardless of any long-term assurances. He added that the culture he wants to build must thrive on accountability and competitiveness, not comfort.
“The pressure I put on the team or on myself is so much bigger than that from outside,” he said. “In football, especially in big clubs, you need to prove yourself every weekend.”
Author’s opinion
Ruben Amorim’s comments demonstrate a self-aware and disciplined manager who knows exactly what Manchester United want. Though Sir Jim Ratcliffe provides solidity behind the scenes, Amorim’s immediate focus suggests it is success that they are craving. That’s the sort of level-headed approach that could be just what United require to restore credibility and belief off the field and confidence on it.
