Amorim Thanks Ratcliffe’s Support at Man Utd, But Demands Results

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed his gratitude for the backing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but acknowledges that it will be worthless if he fails to turn around the team’s results. Ratcliffe, during the international break, suggested that he is willing to give the Portuguese coach “three years” despite a complicated start at Old Trafford. Amorim stated that it’s “good” to hear the support of the club’s co-owner. However, before the difficult encounter against Liverpool on Sunday, he hinted that it is unlikely that he will be given time at the helm of the team if United’s performance does not improve. “He [Ratcliffe] tells me all the time, sometimes with a message after the games,” said Amorim. Amorim added:

“But you know, I know and Jim knows that football is not like that. The most important thing is the next game, you can’t control, even with the owners, you can’t control the next day in football”.

Ruben Amorim

The coach also commented:

“It’s really good to hear that. Also because of the noise, but Omar [Berrada] and Jason [Wilcox] tell me all the time.”

Ruben Amorim

“I know it’s going to take a while, but I don’t want to think like that. It’s really good to hear that. I think it helps our fans understand that leadership is going to take time.”

“At the same time, I don’t like that, because it will give the feeling that we have time to solve things. So I don’t want that feeling here in our club”.

Ruben Amorim

“It’s good to feel the support, but we have to show it in football.” United heads to Anfield seeking consecutive Premier League wins for the first time under Amorim’s management, following the 2-0 victory over Sunderland before the international break. Liverpool have only lost one of their last 14 league encounters against United, who haven’t won at Anfield since 2016. The United’s record against the so-called top teams is reasonable and they managed a meritorious 2-2 draw at Anfield last season. This has led Amorim to suggest that his players perform better in matches they are not expected to win. Amorim reflected on the expectations:

“Perhaps it’s the expectations”.

Ruben Amorim

“When you have to win and the answer to winning is much more difficult to play like that. That’s why, when you play in big clubs, you need to win every game”.

Ruben Amorim

“Especially when people expect you to win. Sometimes we have some difficulties dealing with that.”

Ruben Amorim

“When people expect Manchester United to win that match. Maybe it’s easier for the players to perform and we need to change that.”

Ruben Amorim