I cannot count on a three-year period at Manchester United - Amorim

United's manager Ruben Amorim thinks it is important the co-owner openly discussed his future vision - but notes nothing is assured about tomorrow in football, never mind three seasons.

During a discussion with a major publication in recent days, Ratcliffe mentioned it may need the head coach three years to produce meaningful results at Old Trafford.

Coming in a period when the manager's position has been under scrutiny following an extended sequence of disappointing results, the words contributed to reducing some of the immediate pressure.

Yet, discussing prior to the hundredth encounter with historic adversaries the Reds at Anfield, the United boss stressed that tomorrow is difficult to forecast in soccer.

"It's truly positive to listen to that but he informs me constantly, periodically with words following matches - but recognize, I'm aware and Ratcliffe understands, that football is not like that," he commented.

"The most important thing is the next game. Despite having backers, you cannot dictate the future in the sport."

CEO Omar Berrada has acknowledged it has needed much more time for the head coach to adapt to the Premier League following his move from Sporting Lisbon during the winter than anybody anticipated.

United have won 10 successes in 34 Premier League matches with the Portuguese coach. They are yet to win back-to-back league wins and haven't finished a matchday in the current term higher than ninth.

The worrying figures are testing faith in Amorim among the Old Trafford faithful heading into a sequence of matches the side has performed poorly in for the past two seasons.

United's boss commented he doesn't sense the instability inside the club at the team's practice complex and is firm nothing equals the pressure he places on the team - and in certain ways, he would choose Ratcliffe to refrain from seeking to bring a sense of calm because he is concerned about the impact it could have on the team.

"It isn't merely an item of conversation, I feel it daily," he stated. "It's certainly beneficial to receive it because it assists our supporters to grasp the management realize it needs a period.

"However simultaneously, I'm not fond of it because it gives a feeling that we possess time to work things out. I don't desire that feeling in our club.

"The expectation I place on the squad or to myself is considerably larger [compared to external sources]. In soccer, particularly at major teams, you have to show yourself each weekend."

Associated subjects

• Manchester United
• Premier League
• The beautiful game