NICK FEINBERG: ‘EXTRA’ AMORIM TIME A GAMBLE

HELLO my good football people. I trust you’re doing well. I was surprised to hear Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe announcing a three-year plan for manager Ruben Amorim.

On the one hand I support time being given to coaches, but this feels like a huge gamble. Not that he can’t be removed before the time… let’s be honest: “three years to prove yourself” is the kind of line public relations teams love. It’s positive, patient and long term.

Ratcliffe said: “Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years… football is not overnight.” But if United continue to wobble, the backlash will be brutal.

Let’s not tiptoe around the facts. Amorim’s first season was terrible, a 15th-place finish in the league (worst since 1974 for United). Then there was that embarrassing exit to Grimsby Town in the League Cup earlier this term. His win rate has been abysmal, and as for his “style”, well, it’s actually hard to see what that really is.

Leading arguably the biggest club in the world isn’t just about rotation and youth development, it’s about ongoing “success”. I’d predict with no trophies over the next year or two, it won’t just be “Glazers Out” banners around Old Trafford.

It feels like United fan Ratcliffe might be setting himself up for the same.

Interestingly, last week, Saudi government official Turki Al-Sheikh wrote on X: “Yesterday’s post about Manchester United’s potential sale meant one thing, the club is in an advanced negotiation phase with a new investor”.

Who knows what’s really going on behind the scenes? But whatever it is, United need to start working on the pitch! They’re not your average mid-table project. This is a club with global expectations. Telling fans that you’ll give the coach three seasons is either supreme confidence or completely missing the point.

In the meantime, Amorim can continue to experiment and drive his philosophy, but what if he continues to fail? What if he keeps insisting that the “system” is right and the problem is the players? Will Ratcliffe fire him or continue enabling mega-signings and a bigger wage bill?

If I was in charge I’d set targets publicly… for example; Year one: a top-six finish in the league and two good Cup runs. It would give everyone something to hang their hopes on. Year two: a top-four finish and a Cup final.

It’s f******g tough out there… I said it before and I’ll say it again, just because your team has been one of the best in the past, doesn’t guarantee it’ll always be up there. The further into the “modern era” we go, the more that rings true. The quality of most teams in the league is high enough that anyone can beat anyone.

It’s going to be interesting to see how Liverpool do this season after doubling down following their league title win last season and breaking spending records on new players like Alexander Isak for £125 million (R2.9 billion)!

It all goes in “eras”, and Liverpool are pushing for this to be theirs. As it stands, the manic spending appears to be backfiring a bit. It’s a massive gamble… Get it wrong and debt could destroy the club.

Saying all that, I genuinely believe United will rise again at some point. The value of the “brand” is that high that from a business perspective, taking a shot at rebuilding remains desirable. However, under Ratcliff and the Glazers (and Amorim) would I put money on it? Not a f*****g chance!

My prediction… a buy-out after another poor season at a reduced price with a clear out of management and players. A top-rated coach appointed, some marquee signings and investment into the academy to create a sustainable model.

Haha, it’s Liverpool v United on Sunday. Battle of the brands!

Chat next week, bye bye.