Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stance on Ruben Amorim’s future at Manchester United has been revealed ahead of the Europa League final after a “madness” claim.
Manchester United appointed Ruben Amorim last November following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. The Portuguese coach quickly set about introducing his preferred tactical system.
Six months on, however, the situation in the Premier League has deteriorated further. United now sit 16th in the table with only two games remaining.
Remarkably, despite their poor domestic form, they still have a shot at qualifying for next season’s Champions League as they prepare to face fellow underperformers Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
Nevertheless, the disastrous league campaign has left a lasting impression, regardless of what happens in the final. While there are mitigating factors behind Amorim’s difficulties, pressure is already mounting, with some calling for his dismissal.
Such a move may seem drastic given he hasn’t completed a full season, but the new ownership at Old Trafford, led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have already demonstrated a willingness to act decisively, as seen with the departures of both Ten Hag and Dan Ashworth.
Ratcliffe’s fresh stance on Amorim revealed
Despite the difficulties Amorim has faced so far, Ratcliffe and those in charge at the club are still backing him heading into the new season regardless of the Europa League final result.
In fact, reports from The Mirror state that the United leadership think that it would be “madness” to punish Amorim, the man who’s been at the club for six months, for the disastrous Premier League campaign.
Instead, they are looking to bolster the Portuguese head coach’s squad and the aforementioned report says that two lists of transfer targets have already been drawn up, with some potential signings dependent on securing Champions League qualification.
Matheus Cunha is one player the Reds want to sign for Amorim while they are also working on a deal for Liam Delap – two Premier League-proven players who would improve the current squad at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe had already publicly backed Amorim
This isn’t the first time that Ratcliffe has backed Amorim, with the British billionaire previously supporting the 40-year-old in interviews earlier this year.
“If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest,” Ratcliffe told the BBC in March.
“I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time.”
Fans will be hoping that the board will support Amorim properly in the summer and see things turn around when the new campaign comes around.
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