Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has downplayed the significance of a recent meeting with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, even joking that he had been offered a new contract amidst the intense pressure surrounding his position.
A ‘normal’ meeting
Following a dismal start to the season which has given Amorim the worst win percentage of any permanent United manager since the Second World War, Ratcliffe’s appearance at the training ground on Thursday fueled speculation. However, Amorim presented an upbeat front when asked about the discussion.
“New contract, he was offering me a new contract,” he joked to reporters.
He then continued more seriously: “No, it’s normal things, just to show the support, explaining that it’s a long project. I spoke with him, with Omar [Berrrada, CEO], with Jason [Wilcox, director of football], just trying to see all the data around the team. So, a normal meeting.”
Life under pressure
The manager acknowledged the unique nature of his role, insisting the pressure at Old Trafford is unlike anywhere else in world football.
“This is the club with more pressure, maybe, than any in the world, but we want to win,” he stressed.
He also defended his team’s progress, despite the poor results. “I think we are playing well until the boxes, defending and attacking. We need to be more aggressive in the boxes. We need to be more clinical. The rest I think we are improving compared to last year. We are in a better place. But we need to win.”
While Amorim presented a calm front, his comments underscore the immense pressure he is facing. The public backing from the board is crucial, but the manager knows that only a significant turnaround in results will truly ease the scrutiny at one of the world’s most demanding clubs.