Jim Ratcliffe’s private thoughts on Ruben Amorim amid Man Utd pressure | Football | Sport
Michael Owen believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe has struck the perfect note with his public backing of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, despite growing calls for the embattled manager’s head. Amorim has faced a torrid opening campaign at Old Trafford, even twice tendering his resignation if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s powerbrokers believed it would benefit United’s cause.
Rumours have circulated regarding Ratcliffe’s genuine stance towards the Portuguese coach. Ratcliffe, who oversees footballing operations at the club, described the 40 year old boss as a ‘good guy’ who merits evaluation throughout his complete three-year contract.
“He has not had the best of seasons,” Ratcliffe acknowledged.”Amorim is a good guy. I would say Ruben needs to demonstrate that he’s a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be – three years – because football is not overnight. Look at Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, he had a miserable time the first couple of years.”
The English businessman was also questioned about potential intervention if United’s controlling owners, the Glazers, demanded Amorim’s sacking, but Ratcliffe dismissed such a possibility, stating: “It’s not going to happen.”
Speaking to Sky Bet about the matter, Owen proclaimed he believes Ratcliffe’s public endorsement of Amorim constitutes the correct strategy. “I don’t know what people expect Sir Jim Ratcliffe to say about Ruben Amorim,” the former United, Liverpool and England striker said.
“Of course, he’s going to back his manager publicly – that’s what you do. He can’t exactly say: ‘He’s got three games to save his job.’ What else can he say? It’s one of those questions where there’s no right answer.
“Behind closed doors, I’m sure he’d have a more realistic view, but in public he must back the manager. That’s just how it works in football. If Manchester United lost the next five games, the tone would change, but for now he’s doing the right thing by supporting him.”
Owen also backed Amorim to stay at the helm of his former club for the foreseeable future. “Ruben Amorim can be the man to lead Manchester United for years to come,” he added. “When Erik ten Hag was in charge, I said from minute one that I couldn’t see it – I didn’t agree with his words or his style of football.
“But with Amorim, I like what he says and his principles. With time, investment, and stability, he can succeed. Some massive managers have failed at that club over the last decade, so at some point you have to stop chopping and changing and just stick with someone.
“The club has changed everything – managers, facilities, staff, even the boardroom. Now they need stability and time to piece it back together. That’s what Amorim can bring if he’s given the chance.”
