Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has praised Sir Jim Ratcliffe for publicly backing his long-term project — but warned that in football, nothing is guaranteed, not even the next day.

In an interview with The Times, Ratcliffe, who oversees United’s football operations, suggested it could take up to three years for Amorim to make a meaningful impact at Old Trafford. The statement came amid growing pressure on the Portuguese coach following a run of poor results in the Premier League.

Speaking ahead of United’s 100th clash with Liverpool at Anfield, Amorim acknowledged the importance of Ratcliffe’s comments but emphasized that success in football depends on immediate results, not promises of time.

“It’s really good to hear it, and he tells me all the time — sometimes with a message after games,” Amorim said. “But you know, I know, and Jim knows that football is not like that. The most important thing is the next game. Even with owners, you can’t control the next day in football.”

---

Adapting to the Premier League: “It’s Taken Longer Than Expected”

United’s Chief Executive Omar Berrada recently admitted that Amorim’s transition from Sporting CP to the Premier League has been slower than anticipated.

Since joining the club in November 2024, Amorim has managed 10 wins in 34 league matches. The Red Devils are yet to secure back-to-back victories this season and have not climbed higher than ninth in the standings.

Those numbers have frustrated fans, especially with United struggling to find consistency and identity on the pitch. However, Ratcliffe’s public show of faith has eased some of the pressure surrounding the 40-year-old manager — at least for now.

---

Amorim Rejects Comfort: “I Don’t Want That Feeling in the Club”

Despite Ratcliffe’s supportive tone, Amorim insists he doesn’t want anyone at the club to feel like they have time to “figure things out.”

“It’s good for fans to hear that leadership understands this is a long-term project,” he said. “But at the same time, I don’t like it because it gives a feeling that we have time. I don’t want that feeling in our club.”

The Portuguese tactician stressed that he places immense pressure on himself and his squad to deliver results every week — a mindset he believes is vital for a club of United’s stature.

“The pressure I put on the team or myself is much bigger than anything from outside,” Amorim said. “At a big club, you need to prove yourself every weekend.”

---

Under the Microscope: A Defining Stretch Ahead

United now face a pivotal run of fixtures, starting with Liverpool at Anfield, where their form has been poor in recent years. The match marks the 100th competitive meeting between the two English giants — a fixture that could either reignite United’s season or deepen the crisis.

Amorim remains determined to change the club’s trajectory, blending his high-pressing tactical style with a renewed emphasis on mental resilience. But with a restless fanbase and a demanding ownership group, the pressure is mounting.

“Football is unpredictable,” Amorim concluded. “What matters is not three years from now, but the next whistle, the next match, the next challenge.”