I cannot count on three full seasons at Man Utd - Ruben Amorim

The Red Devils' boss Amorim feels it's significant Sir Jim Ratcliffe went public with his long-term thoughts - but says nothing is certain about the next day in soccer, never mind three seasons.

During a discussion with a leading newspaper recently, Sir Jim mentioned it may need the manager three years to create substantial change at Old Trafford.

Arriving during a time when the coach's tenure has been under scrutiny in the wake of a lengthy stretch of disappointing results, the comments helped quell some of the immediate pressure.

However, talking ahead of the 100th meeting with traditional foes the Merseyside club at Anfield, the United boss stressed that the future is hard to predict in football.

"It's truly positive to hear it but he communicates to me all the time, sometimes with a message after games - but you know, I know and Jim knows, that the sport isn't that predictable," he said.

"The vital factor is the next game. Even with owners, you cannot manage the future in the sport."

CEO Omar Berrada has conceded it has required significantly extended periods for the manager to adapt to the top division subsequent to his appointment from his former club during the winter than any person expected.

United have won 10 victories in 34 top-flight fixtures with the Portuguese coach. They are yet to win two league games in a row and have not ended a round of league games during this campaign higher than ninth.

The worrying figures are stretching belief in Amorim among the Old Trafford faithful heading into a stretch of fixtures their team has struggled during for the past two seasons.

United's boss commented he isn't experiencing the instability inside the club at their training facility and is adamant nothing compares to the stress he places on the team - and in certain ways, he would choose Sir Jim to refrain from seeking to create tranquility because he fears the effect it might produce on the squad.

"It's not only an item of conversation, I experience it daily," he said. "It's truly positive to listen to it because it assists our supporters to understand the administration realize it needs some time.

"But at the same moment, I dislike it because it gives a feeling that we own time to work things out. I don't want that sense in our organization.

"The pressure I put on the players or upon myself is significantly greater [than that from outside]. In the sport, specifically at large organizations, you must demonstrate your value each weekend."

Connected themes

• Manchester United
• Top division
• Soccer