Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has come out firmly in support of under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim.
Ratcliffe has pledged to give Amorim three years to prove his worth at Old Trafford.
The 72-year-old said on The Times’ The Business podcast: “He has not had the best of seasons. Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be.
“The press, sometimes I don’t understand. They want overnight success. They think it’s a light switch. You know, you flick a switch and it’s all going to be roses tomorrow.
“You can’t run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week.”
Public backing reassures Ruben Amorim
The Portuguese tactician is now approaching his one-year anniversary in charge, having been appointed last November.
He recently oversaw his 50th United match, though only 19 of those have ended in victory.
He failed to do any better than his predecessor Erik ten Hag as the club finished in the 15th spot in the league table, marking their worst season in Premier League history.
A shot at redemption slipped away when his side lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final.
The current campaign has hardly fared better, with three defeats in the opening seven league matches.
The lowest point came when the Red Devils were eliminated from the Carabao Cup second round by fourth-tier Grimsby Town.
A 2-0 victory over Sunderland eased some pressure on Amorim, but United now face a daunting trip to Liverpool at Anfield after the international break.
Another heavy defeat could spark renewed media calls for change, yet Ratcliffe appears determined to give Amorim time.
The 40-year-old arrived with a reputation as a serial winner in Portugal, but has struggled to impose his ideas at Old Trafford.
Freed from the immediate threat of the sack, Amorim must now focus on repaying the faith of both supporters and owners.
