Sir Jim Ratcliffe met with Rúben Amorim amid Manchester United’s faltering start, insisting he remains supportive despite growing pressure on the under-fire coach.
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe flew into Manchester for talks with head coach Rúben Amorim as the Portuguese manager faces mounting pressure following a poor start to the season.
As first reported by The Athletic, Ratcliffe’s visit was pre-planned and included multiple meetings, one of which involved Amorim. Sources close to the 72-year-old say he is “keen to help Amorim work through his current issues” rather than make any immediate changes. Ratcliffe did not join chief executive Omar Berrada at Leigh on Tuesday, where United’s women’s team reached the Champions League main draw for the first time.
Amorim, who arrived from Sporting, has endured a difficult start. Despite spending more than £200m on new signings, United have managed just one win, a stoppage-time penalty against Burnley and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby.
Supporters and pundits have questioned Amorim’s methods, though insiders point to “massively improved data” as evidence the team is progressing. Critics argue the statistics hide chronic underperformance on the pitch.
United have dismissed reports that Amorim has “three games to save his job.” However, defeats in upcoming matches against Chelsea, Brentford, and Sunderland before the October international break would test the board’s patience to the limit.
THIS WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON BBC SPORT