Man Utd: Ruben Amorim 'rejects Sir Jim Ratcliffe request' as boss sets priorities straight

Ruben Amorim rejected Sir Jim Ratcliffe's request.

Ruben Amorim has turned down Sir Jim Ratcliffe's offer to join Manchester United's leadership team on a trip to Iceland in favour of maintaining his full focus on pre-season, according to reports. The Portuguese head coach will understand the importance of making every second count as he prepares for his first full campaign in the hot seat. But despite the crucial nature of United's quest to escape mediocrity next term, Ratcliffe has continued to conduct business the way he likes. According to The Athletic, the Red Devils part-owner invited chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox to a fishing expedition in Iceland this week. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

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Ratcliffe, a seasoned traveller, regularly gathers with senior INEOS executives around the world, reportedly viewing it as an opportunity to conduct business in a relaxed environment. And it is claimed that Ratcliffe, Berrada and Wilcox are currently spending the 48 hours before Saturday's first pre-season fixture against Leeds United in Stockholm. While fishing, one of the 72-year-old's passions, was undoubtedly on the agenda, as were discussions about sporting and commercial matters at Old Trafford. Given Ratcliffe prefers to make big decisions in person, United's third bid for Bryan Mbeumo likely originated from the Nordic island nation. For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express MUFC newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox joined Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Iceland.

The report adds that Amorim was absent from the gathering, despite Ratcliffe proposing he join the trio for deep conversions away from the noise of M16. It's claimed that, after discussions, the INEOS kingpin accepted Amorim's desire to stay with his squad in the build-up to the clash against Leeds in Stockholm on Saturday. The United boss will lead a training session at Carrington on Friday morning before, along with his staff and players, he flies to Stockholm later in the day. Berrada and Wilcox are set to travel to the Swedish capital on Saturday morning once their Icelandic summit with Ratcliffe comes to a close. For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

After Leeds, West Ham United, Bournemouth and Everton await in the United States as part of the Premier League Summer Series. United will visit New Jersey, Chicago and Atlanta between July 27 and August 8 before returning to Manchester to finish their pre-season schedule against Fiorentina. The club will hope that Mbeumo completes his switch from Brentford before they fly across the Atlantic on Tuesday. The Bees are yet to respond to United's bid, worth £65million plus £5m in add-ons, but they are expected to accept it.

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