Manchester United boardroom talks could hint at real Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ruben Amorim stance

Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has revealed his intention to give Ruben Amorim three years in charge of the club.

Manchester United invited club correspondents into the Old Trafford boardroom last season.

Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth spoke on record during a wide-ranging question-and-answer session before the Liverpool game, touching on Erik ten Hag, transfers and much more.

The most interesting quotes were about the controversial decision to keep Ten Hag in charge.

When asked about Ten Hag's contract extension after he lifted the FA Cup, Berrada said: "Again, so in terms of the contract, that was a decision that was taken prior to both of our arrivals.

"But as I said before, we're very happy with that decision. Erik has our full backing and we have worked very closely together, as Dan said before, in this transfer window. We're going to continue working very closely with him to help him get the best results out of the team."

Berrada was asked whether Ten Hag would still be backed if there was a bad run of results and said: "Do we still believe in Erik? Absolutely. We think Erik is the right coach for us and we’re fully backing him."

Responding to a question about inheriting a coach, Ashworth said: "Well, it happened at Newcastle with Eddie Howe [during his time there], it happened at West Brom, Tony Mowbray was in place. Very rarely do you go into a job as a sporting director and there's no manager in place.

"I didn't start until July 1, so none whatsoever [say in keeping Ten Hag]. All I can do is reiterate what I remember saying, I've really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks."

In no uncertain terms, Berrada and Ashworth made it clear that Ten Hag retained the backing of the board - but the Dutchman was sacked 57 days later following a defeat to West Ham.

Those comments are relevant because Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly backed Ruben Amorim, saying on The Business podcast: "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."

Asked if the Glazers have told him to sack his head coach, Ratcliffe replied: “It’s not going to happen.”

He added: "The press, sometimes I don't understand. They want overnight success. They think it's a light switch. You know, you flick a switch and it's all going to be roses tomorrow. You can't run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week."

Some consider Ratcliffe's comments as a cast-iron guarantee of giving three years to Amorim, but you only need to look at what Berrada and Ashworth said about Ten Hag to show that his assurances are worthless. The winds change quickly in football and Amorim needs results to survive.

Amorim is thought to have a good relationship with Ratcliffe. During this summer's pre-season tour, he revealed that Ratcliffe sends him GIFs after matches, but he will be sent a P45 if results don't improve.

Sunderland felt like a must-win for Amorim ahead of the October international break, following another setback against Brentford which saw the pressure increase on his shoulders again.

Amorim's failure to win back-to-back Premier League games during his tenure is concerning and he must dispose of that unwanted record sooner rather than later. The performance against Sunderland was a step in the right direction, but it's fair to say Amorim is not out of the woods.

Ratcliffe's assurances on his podcast appearance will not save Amorim if United continue to meander in the Premier League table. The 40-year-old is aware that winning games is the only way to keep his job.

It's also worth noting that Ratcliffe said the only thing he can say. Imagine the uproar if Ratcliffe came out and questioned Amorim, suggesting that he could be on borrowed time?

The meaningful conversations about Amorim are held in private. Ratcliffe would not reveal he was having second thoughts about United's manager during a conversation on a podcast.

United will play Liverpool and Brighton before the anniversary of Ten Hag's sacking on October 28, and it feels like a decision on Amorim's future will be made at a similar time of the season.

Ineos sacked their previous manager shortly after backing him - could history repeat itself?

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