Man United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe issues ultimatum to Ruben Amorim

Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has issued manager Ruben Amorim a three-year ultimatum to transform the team into what they expect them to be amid sack rumours.

The United co-owner, who owns just under 30% of the club but controls all the major football decisions, acknowledges their struggles and admits, it is “not the best.”

Amorim signed for United in November 2024 and was tasked with getting the club back to competing at the top, but he has failed to convince his employers since his appointment.

The Red Devils could only manage 15th place in the Premier League last term under Amorim’s guidance, with United rather experiencing a sharp decline in fortunes.

The club suffered its lowest-ever league finish in English top-flight history, yet still advanced to the Europa League final last season, where they ultimately fell 1-0 to fellow Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Seville, Spain.

Despite receiving a vote of confidence from United’s leadership last month, the Portuguese manager continues to face intense scrutiny from Sir Ratcliffe and the rest of the club’s hierarchy.

Ruben Amorim needs to turn things around at United

Likely contributing to this pressure were the embarrassing loss to League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup last month and a faltering start to the current campaign, with three losses in seven league matches.

Since Amorim’s appointment as Erik ten Hag’s successor in November 2024, he has yet to record back-to-back wins as United boss, and calls for his head from fans are growing by the day.

However, those calls look to have rattled the feathers of Sir Ratcliffe, but he resolves not to make a hasty decision on the manager’s future.

“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,” Ratcliffe told The Times podcast.

“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 United on knee-jerk reactions to the press who goes off/on one every week.”

Sir Ratcliffe’s ultimatum to the 40-year-old is that he seeks to see clear signs of improvement over the next three years. This comes off as a lifeline and enough backing for the struggling tactician.