Overview

• Sir Jim Ratcliffe said on a business podcast that Ruben Amorim should be judged over three years and cited Mikel Arteta’s early struggles at Arsenal as a precedent.
• Rio Ferdinand said the comparison is flawed, noting Arteta improved Arsenal from 10th to 8th in his first season while Amorim’s side slipped from 14th to 15th in an equivalent span.
• Ferdinand also highlighted Arteta’s early tactical flexibility, claiming he used about seven formations in his first 50 matches as he searched for solutions.
• He argued Ratcliffe’s public stance sends a clear message to the squad that the manager is not going anywhere, which he believes can sharpen player focus.
• United’s start to 2025/26 has been inconsistent with reports placing them around 10th in the league, and prior calls for a change were tempered by Ratcliffe’s show of support.