Manchester United’s recent struggles have sparked intense debate, and now Jamie Carragher is weighing in on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s unusual show of support for manager Ruben Amorim.
While Ratcliffe claimed that Amorim needs “three years” to prove himself as a top coach, Carragher believes that comment could actually backfire.
Ratcliffe’s Three-Year Endorsement Sparks Skepticism
Earlier this month, Ratcliffe suggested that Amorim should be given three years to establish himself at Manchester United.
But after a disastrous 15th-place finish last season, the Red Devils currently sit 11th, and the idea of a three-year grace period seems unrealistic to many.
Carragher told Sky Sports that the comments, while well-intentioned, offer little reassurance.
“Nobody believes that Ruben Amorim will be the manager of Manchester United in three years,” he said.
He explained that a shorter-term, more cautious message—like support for the next 12 months—would have sounded far more credible and could genuinely calm speculation about the manager’s future.
United’s Recent Form Offers Some Hope
Despite the criticism, there are signs of progress. Manchester United have won two of their last three matches, which provides a glimmer of encouragement as they approach Sunday’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
Before the international break, they also face Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham—opportunities to climb toward the European spots.
However, a slip in form could drag them dangerously close to the relegation zone, with Forest just five points behind.
Amorim on Ratcliffe’s Support
Amorim himself has acknowledged Ratcliffe’s vote of confidence, though he remains realistic.
“I feel it every day,” he said, “but football is not like that. Even with owners, you cannot control the next day in football.”
The Portuguese manager is also wary of creating a sense of complacency within the squad.
He doesn’t want players to feel they have unlimited time to work things out, insisting that pressure—both on himself and the team—remains essential.
Looking Ahead to Liverpool
United and Liverpool meet in what will be their 100th Anfield encounter.
While Liverpool matched United’s record of 20 league titles last season and remain Premier League favorites despite a recent three-game losing streak, Amorim is realistic about closing the gap.
“Sometimes things change really fast,” he said. “You can have one club winning everything and the other having a bad moment.
We just have to acknowledge that and focus on winning games.”
Amorim emphasized that while the club aspires to challenge Liverpool consistently in the future, there is no clear timeline.
“It’s special for our club,” he said. “They are fighting all the time for the number of titles. We need to prove we are playing better in every game.”