Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has called for patience with manager Ruben Amorim, saying the Portuguese coach needs three years to prove himself.
Amorim joined United from Sporting Lisbon in November 2024 but has struggled to deliver results. The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League last season — their worst position since 1974 when they were relegated.
Even after spending over £200 million on new players this summer, United have already lost three league games and were knocked out of the EFL Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town.
Speaking on The Business podcast by The Times, Ratcliffe defended Amorim, describing him as a “good guy” who deserves time.
“He has not had the best of seasons,” Ratcliffe said.
“Ruben needs to show he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be.”
Ratcliffe, who owns just under 30% of the club but makes most football decisions, also criticised the media for expecting instant results.
“The press want overnight success,” he said.
“They think it’s a light switch — that you flick it and everything changes. You can’t run Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions.”
He also defended the Glazer family, often blamed by fans for the club’s decline, saying they are still passionate about United.
When asked if the Glazers could pressure him to fire Amorim, Ratcliffe said:
“That’s not going to happen.”
Amorim, 40, has come under fire for refusing to change his 3-4-2-1 formation, but Ratcliffe remains confident the coach can turn things around with time.
