Ruben Amorim has had distinct approaches to dealing with players and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe during his rollercoaster first year as Manchester United manager
Ruben Amorim finds himself in one of the strongest positions since arriving at Manchester United as he marks his first year in charge. On November 1, 2024, United confirmed the Sporting CP boss would take over from Erik ten Hag permanently, with his tenure officially starting 10 days later.
The past 12 months have proved challenging for Amorim. The Portuguese manager struggled to make an instant impact on United’s performances, presiding over the club’s poorest league campaign in decades, while also missing out on Champions League qualification after defeat in the Europa League final.
Yet recent weeks have seen a marked improvement, with the squad’s summer recruits playing a key role in the club’s best Premier League form under Amorim’s reign. On the first anniversary of his appointment, United secured a 2-2 draw away to Nottingham Forest, bringing an end to a three-match winning streak.
There have been several moments when many believed Amorim’s position was under serious threat, not least earlier this campaign following the Carabao Cup embarrassment against Grimsby. Despite Amorim regularly facing criticism, the United board have consistently shown faith in the 40-year-old manager.
One factor in Amorim maintaining the backing of United’s hierarchy may be the manager’s steadfast belief in his methods, alongside his uncompromising approach towards his squad. The Daily Mail has reported that certain players within the United dressing room have found Amorim to be “aloof and arrogant at times.”
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This straightforward style may well have helped Amorim when it came to building his squad. Back in January, when quizzed about Marcus Rashford’s continued omission, Amorim insisted he’d sooner select goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital than a player not pulling their weight in training. Rashford subsequently joined Aston Villa on loan before spending this campaign at Barcelona.
The United manager’s self-assurance also stretches to his tactics. He declared earlier this season that “not even the Pope” could persuade him to abandon his preferred 3-4-2-1 system. Yet United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe seems to value Amorim’s forthright approach.
“I really, really like Ruben,” Ratcliffe told The Times in March. “He’s a very thoughtful guy. Every time I go to the training ground, I speak to Ruben. I sit down and have a cup of coffee with him and tell him where it’s going wrong, and he tells me to f*** off! I like him.”
The report revealed that Amorim and Ratcliffe regularly have phone conversations and stay in touch through WhatsApp groups. For his part, Amorim values the relationship he’s built with Ratcliffe during his time at the club.
“I think we have a really good connection,” he said. “We are both a little bit blunt and honest in conversations. He really likes the club, he’s like a fan.”
The United manager continued: “It’s a good thing because publicly, it’s a different thing. It shows a lot of confidence from the owner. I felt it since day one. Since day one, I felt that the people really like my work.
“My work is the result, so also sometimes it’s harder for me – my relationship with them – than theirs with me. We’re really honest with each other. I’m a little bit the same.
“I came from a normal family and now I’m here in Manchester and I’m still the same person. I feel that he is the same [type of] person, so we can talk like that.”
While Amorim’s blunt exchanges with Ratcliffe and no-nonsense transfer strategy might raise eyebrows, it has proved vital in helping the Portuguese boss navigate a challenging year at Old Trafford. Having weathered numerous storms, United could find themselves in a far stronger position under Amorim’s leadership 12 months from now.
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