The football world, particularly when it comes to a club as massive as Manchester United, often demands instant results. Fans and pundits alike can be quick to call for change when wins don’t come easy. But Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s co-owner, offered a calm, steady hand on the tiller recently, stressing that building a winning team isn’t like flipping a light switch. He spoke on ‘The Business’ podcast, giving a clear picture of how he sees the road ahead.
Ratcliffe made it clear that despite recent patchy performances, the leadership at Old Trafford stands firm behind Ruben Amorim. He suggested that it’s unfair to expect a complete turnaround overnight. In his view, a coach like Amorim, previously the head man at Sporting and now 40 years old, needs the full three years of his contract to truly implement his vision and show what he can do. He sees football management as a marathon, not a sprint.
“It really gets me sometimes, the way the press talks,” Ratcliffe explained. “They act like Ruben should fix everything right away. They think you just hit a switch, and suddenly everything’s perfect. But you can’t run a club the size of Manchester United by making rushed decisions, not on a whim.” His comments highlight a genuine belief in giving the manager time to grow and shape the team.
Steadfast Support from the Glazers
When asked if the Glazer family might pull the plug on Ruben Amorim, Ratcliffe was quick to shut down the idea. “That’s not happening,” he stated directly. He painted a picture of the Glazers as “very good people,” who are deeply passionate about the club. He added that they are “down to earth,” suggesting a sensible, long-term outlook rather than knee-jerk reactions. This kind of unified backing is crucial for any coach trying to establish a new era.
Broader Club Overhaul
Beyond the coaching staff, Ratcliffe also opened up about some significant changes he’s made behind the scenes. He mentioned that in recent months, Manchester United saw about 450 staff members depart. This move was all about cutting down costs, which he felt had become “too high.” While acknowledging the club has “fantastic people,” he also noted a “rising level of mediocrity” that needed to be addressed. It shows a commitment to efficiency and high standards across the entire organization, not just on the pitch.
Right now, Manchester United sits in 10th place in the Premier League after seven games this season. It’s a position that undoubtedly adds to the pressure. However, Ratcliffe’s words send a strong message: patience and a clear strategy are more important than succumbing to the immediate demands for quick fixes.