United Beyond Manchester

Sir Jim Ratcliffe backed Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim in a brutally honest and fiery interview.

Speaking to the BBC, Ratcliffe defended Amorim, stating, “If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job, to be honest. 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.”

This endorsement comes amid a tumultuous start to Amorim’s reign at the club. The 40-year-old has struggled to find results and his side was recently knocked out of the FA Cup by Fulham on penalties.

The early difficulties for the new manager prompted rumors that he could be sacked before the season’s end. Now, with Ratcliffe’s public support, Amorim looks set to be given the time he needs to rebuild Manchester United, something many managers before him were not provided.

Manchester United fans and officials recognize that there is a lot of work to be done on and off the field. Ratcliffe stated that he believes Amorim will ‘be there for a long time,’ meaning that, at least for now, there will be consistency on the touchline. This allows club officials to work on the business side while Amorim instills his philosophy and builds his team on the pitch.

Of course, everyone’s job becomes easier if Manchester United wins the Europa League. While that dream is still alive, Ratcliffe and Amorim need to be prepared to operate on a restricted budget this summer and find players that will fit the new playstyle of Manchester United.

Failing to reach European football will cause United to miss out on several club-changing talents. Viktor Gyokeres has been tipped for a move to Arsenal as he searches for Champions League football next season. Amorim and the United team will have to assess younger talents to help lead the charge back to Europe next season.

No matter how the rest of the season plays out, it is refreshing to hear that the club believes in Ruben Amorim and that he will be given time to show why he is right for the club.