Chemical billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who controls close to 30% of Manchester United through his company INEOS. He has publicly and conspicuously made clear his unwavering support for head coach Ruben Amorim. Since Ratcliffe assumed operational control of football in February 2024 he has faced a lightning round of challenges. One looming problem is the persistent questioning about Amorim’s performance ever since assuming office on November 1 of last year. Despite these pressures, Ratcliffe insists that he will give Amorim three years to prove his capabilities as a top coach.
Ratcliffe’s comments have been made as Manchester United prepares to mark the first anniversary of Amorim’s appointment. The club has come under fire from fans and analysts across the board, especially for its shoddy performances in the Premier League. Some observers have pointed out that expectations for a club of Manchester United’s stature remain high, making Amorim’s challenges even more pronounced.
Ratcliffe’s Vision for the Club
Ratcliffe imagines Manchester United to become the most profitable football club in the world. He wants to build a long-term, sustainable model for elite football. He’s not afraid to make bold operational changes, and those changes haven’t always come without controversy.
To save money, Ratcliffe has made some bold moves. He cut about 450 positions and canceled perks, such as subsidized on-campus staff lunches. Transportation/environmental activists, community advocates, and leftist critics of the process have all been critical of these decisions. They caution that the austerity measures could negatively impact club morale.
Even with these challenges, Ratcliffe is hopeful, believing the possibility of profitability can lay a sound footing on which long-term success can rest. This financial prudence, he maintains, is key to the club’s long-term sustainability and the best interests of its fans.
Amorim’s Tenure Under Scrutiny
In the last few months, current head coach Ruben Amorim has been under the most vascularized of microscopes since taking the job. He will mark one year in control there very shortly. Doubts about his capacity to manage Manchester United don’t go away easily. Players like Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee have openly expressed their displeasure with their lack of minutes this season. This greatly complicates Amorim’s case.
Ratcliffe has publicly defended Amorim, saying he’s a “good guy” who deserves at least a year or two to get things turned around. He emphasized that he does not plan to dismiss Amorim anytime soon, dismissing rumors of an impending sacking with a clear message:
“It’s not going to happen.” – Jim Ratcliffe
This support comes amidst growing concerns about the team’s performance and the pressure on Amorim to deliver results that align with the club’s storied legacy.
The Road Ahead for United
As Manchester United weaves its way through this stormy chapter, Ratcliffe will surely be focused on giving Amorim the resources and time to flourish. He stated:
“Ruben needs to demonstrate he’s a great coach over three years.” – Jim Ratcliffe
This long-term outlook speaks to Ratcliffe’s acknowledgment that it will take time to rebuild a club as gargantuan as Manchester United.
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