LONDON, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said manager Ruben Amorim should be given up to three years to prove himself at Old Trafford.
Amorim, who joined from Sporting Lisbon last November, has endured a difficult start to life in England. Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League last season - its worst result in over 50 years - and has already lost three league games this term, along with a shock EFL Cup defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby Town.
Despite spending more than 200 million pounds (268 million U.S. dollars) in the summer, Manchester United's struggles have led to speculation over Amorim's future.
But speaking on The Times' Business podcast, Ratcliffe said the Portuguese coach was never under threat before last weekend's 2-0 win over Sunderland.
"He has not had the best of seasons," Ratcliffe said. "Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That's where I would be."
Ratcliffe dismissed criticism of Amorim's tactics, saying too many expect "overnight success."
"You can't run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week," he said.
The INEOS owner, who controls United's football operations, also defended the Glazers, who retain a majority share in the club, insisting the American family is "passionate" about the club and would not interfere in team matters.
Asked if they could order Amorim's dismissal, Ratcliffe replied: "That's not going to happen." ■
