Manchester United have endured a difficult start to the season and Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now had his say on Ruben Amorim's future, plus there's a big update on a transfer target
07:32, 09 Oct 2025
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been backed by the club's co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been backed by the club's co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spoken out about Ruben Amorim's shaky future at Manchester United in an explosive new interview.
It's been a lacklustre start to Amorim's first full season at the helm, with the club currently languishing in 10th place in the Premier League table, after enduring their worst season in half a century under his stewardship last year after taking over from Erik ten Hag. The 40-year-old coach has only managed 10 league victories since joining United in November 2024 and has faced relentless pressure throughout his tenure.
This season, United were set to compete in just three competitions after missing out on European football due to their Europa League final loss earlier this year. That number dwindled to two following their embarrassing Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town in August. Despite these setbacks, Amorim has so far maintained the confidence of Ratcliffe and the United board, who splurged more than £200million on new signings this summer.
However, the INEOS boss has given Amorim a rough timeline to restore United to their former glory as a football powerhouse, with an astonishing claim. In his quest to achieve this, the former Sporting Lisbon manager could look to bolster his attacking options with a significant transfer market move. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's explosive interview
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has put his support behind Ruben Amorim(Image: Getty Images)
It's rare for club owners to publicly discuss managers under scrutiny, but that didn't deter Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The co-owner of Manchester United shared his thoughts on Amorim and more during his guest appearance on The Times and The Sunday Times' The Business podcast.
Ratcliffe shed light on United's ambitions to reclaim their glory days, with the club having endured a 13-year league title drought and a 17-year wait since their last Champions League triumph, reports the Mirror.
Despite United's trials, the 72-year-old has staunchly backed Amorim, even stating he wouldn't dismiss him if the Glazer family demanded it. Describing the Portuguese coach as a "good guy", Ratcliffe conceded the season hasn't started well for the club.
While Ratcliffe has been vocal in his support for Amorim, he stressed the manager must prove he's the right person to steer the Red Devils back to success, before seemingly setting a staggering timeframe for this to happen.
Ratcliffe said: "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."
More attacking options
Antoine Semenyo is in fine form for Bournemouth
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Antoine Semenyo is in fine form for Bournemouth(Image: AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
United did splash the cash to bolster their attack with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all joining the club this summer. However, the trio haven't yet gelled, scoring just five league goals between them so far this season.
While Sesko has found the net in his previous two matches and is gradually developing as United's spearhead, Mbeumo hasn't scored in the league since his strike against Burnley in August, while Cunha is yet to open his account for his new side.
One player who could spark their attacking output is Bournemouth talisman Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international has been in scorching form for the Cherries this campaign with six goals to his credit - only Erling Haaland with nine strikes has netted more than the winger in the division.
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The 25-year-old penned fresh terms with Bournemouth last year, binding him to the Vitality Stadium until 2029, but his outstanding displays have inevitably sparked speculation about a departure from Andoni Iraola's outfit.
According to CaughtOffside, United are prepared to trigger a "big money" move for Semenyo, who will undoubtedly attract a host of admirers next summer and potentially in January.
Semenyo's excellence has helped propel Bournemouth to fourth place in the table, remaining unbeaten since their opening-day 4-2 reverse against Liverpool.