Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe flew into Carrington on Thursday for face-to-face talks with under-fire manager Ruben Amorim. Although Ratcliffe had planned the visit in advance, the Red Devils’ poor start to the season dominated discussions, and the board focused heavily on tactical issues.
United, who are 14th in the Premier League, were embarrassed in the Carabao Cup by League Two club Grimsby Town. The squad has disappointed with the heavy summer investment, and Amorim is under increasing pressure.
Ratcliffe Jets In as Pressure Mounts
The Athletic reported that Ratcliffe arrived by helicopter and spent part of the day meeting Amorim and senior club officials. United’s disastrous start—just one league win in five games—meant results were a top priority. The co-owner’s intervention signals concern at board level but also indicates Ratcliffe is keen to back Amorim through a tough period. Sources suggest the meeting focused on solutions rather than immediate drastic action, with emphasis on improving tactical flexibility and squad performance ahead of the Chelsea clash.
Ruben Amorim Sticks to 3-4-3 Amid Player Frustration
Amorim has stuck to his 3-4-3 formation, despite rumours that some influential players such as captain Bruno Fernandes are becoming frustrated with the system. Supported in several rounds of transfer investment, still his thoughts have not fired a year into this reign. United face Chelsea at Old Trafford this weekend in a must-win clash. Amorim still has one throughball of hope, but if he fails again, the heat will grow so intense the board may look for an alternative.
Author’s Opinion
While Ratcliffe’s support provides Amorim a short-term reprieve, the manager’s stubborn adherence to a faltering formation is risky. United’s talented roster requires flexibility and digging in could be more costly than points — it might even help define his tenure. A more pragmatic approach, mixing his favored system with what the players do best, may be the only way to thrive in a vastly diminished margin for error.
