Sir Jim Ratcliffe dug out over Man United's three-year Ruben Amorim plan - 'It's not right'
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been applauded for being so open about Manchester United's future, but comments about Mikel Arteta have raised eyebrowsRio Ferdinand believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe was wrong to compare Ruben Amorim to Mikel Arteta. Speaking recently on a podcast, the Manchester United co-owner revealed that he plans to honour his head coach's contract at Old Trafford.Ratcliffe insisted that Amorim will be given time to transform the club's fortunes, despite a rocky start to the season. In a staunch defence of the Portuguese tactician, the British billionaire referenced Mikel Arteta's teething stage when he replaced Unai Emery at the Emirates Stadium.Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand commended Ratcliffe for being so open. The United legend said: "You know what, I just like to hear the people that are in the driving seat of a football club come out and speak."That's what I like about Jim Ratcliffe. I think he obviously went on to a podcast to speak about something totally different, but obviously, that podcast isn't going to allow him to come on and not ask him about Man United."So, it's just refreshing that somebody in his position actually talks," added Ferdinand before digging Ratcliffe out for his comments about Arteta. "Now, do I agree exactly with what he said?READ MORE : Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko dealt blow on international dutyREAD MORE : Marcus Rashford hints where blame lies in shot over 'inconsistent environment'"I understand the sentiment– if you go through the facts, I don't think it's the right person to draw a comparison with. You look at Arteta – there are similarities in some of the stats."The big one is that he improved the team from 10th to finish eighth in his first year. Amorim took his team from 14th to finish 15th. There was also flexibility in the way Arteta had his team."I think he had about seven different formations in his first 50 matches, just trying things out. The improvement line would have been a bit more consistent, and you go, 'I can see it happening'."Whereas with Amorim, you look at him and there isn't as much consistency or positives that are coming out of it that you're going, 'oh, I can actually see it clearly, it's hitting me between my eyes, I couldn't let this guy go'."I think right now, we're at a stage with United and Amorim, [where] I just want to see that consistency of some results coming through, performance alongside that, and an idea that you go, 'oh, I can see this training ground stuff really paying off'."The consistency with all of those three different elements isn't there right now, and I'm hoping he can get that right."Ferdinand was, of course, referencing comments made by Ratcliffe on the 'The Business podcast'. At the start of the international break, the INEOS boss claimed that he remains in control of football operations at the club.When asked what would happen if the Glazers told him to sack Amorim, Ratcliffe, who has owned just under 30 per cent of United since February 2024, said: "It's not going to happen."He added: "That probably sums it up. We're local and they're the other side of the pond. That's a long way away to try and manage a football club as big and complex as Manchester United."We're here with feet on the ground. They [the Glazers] get a bad rep... but they are really nice people and they are really passionate about the club."Noting his long-term plan, the 72-year-old said: "Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years."Asked if he'll honour the United boss' contract, Ratcliffe replied: "Yes. That is where I would be. Three years. Because football is not overnight. It's three years."You also look at [Mikel] Arteta at Arsenal. He had a miserable time over the first couple of years. We have to be patient. We have a long-term plan. It isn't a light switch."You can't run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week..."
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