Sir Jim Ratcliffe backs Ruben Amorim despite difficult start at Manchester United | OneFootball

Red Devils have struggled under new manager during difficult time for the club

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe believes head coach Ruben Amorim is doing a “really good job” and has backed him to be at the club for a “long time”.

Amorim was hired by Manchester United in November after the club sacked Erik ten Hag the previous month.

Ten Hag was axed after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham and he left the club 14th in the Premier League, with three wins from their opening nine league games.

Amorim’s arrival has not seen an upturn in results. Manchester United are still 14th in the Premier League table and they are 36 points off leaders Liverpool.

“If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest,” Ratcliffe told the BBC.

Ruben Amorim is yet to fully convince at Manchester United

Martin Rickett/PA Wire

“I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time.

“You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce. I think you saw a glimpse of it against Arsenal.

“How many players against Arsenal on the bench did you recognise? How many have ever worn a Manchester United shirt for [the first team]…as there’s no squad left [due to injuries].

“We are down to the last 10 or 11 men in the squad really, of proper first-team players. Ruben is doing a super job.”

Ratcliffe also backed Amorim for his handling of Marcus Rashford, who was dropped from the squad and loaned out to Aston Villa during the January transfer window.

“He is, as most great coaches are, an emotional character,” said Ratcliffe. “Ruben is not perfect but I am a great supporter of Ruben.

“He wants a dressing room that is full of people who are totally committed to winning football matches.

“He won’t tolerate people who don't have 100 per cent of that attitude. The players have to be in the same box.”