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

Manchester United head coach the Portuguese coach believes it's crucial the co-owner publicly shared his extended perspective - but states nothing is guaranteed about tomorrow in football, never mind three seasons.

In an interview with The Times last week, Sir Jim mentioned it may need the head coach three years to create substantial change at Old Trafford.

Emerging in an era when the coach's tenure has been receiving close inspection after a prolonged run of disappointing results, the statements assisted in calming some of the immediate pressure.

But, speaking before the 100th meeting with traditional foes the Reds at their home ground, Amorim stressed that the future is hard to predict in football.

"It's certainly beneficial to receive that message but he tells me constantly, occasionally through communication post fixtures - but you know, I know and the co-owner recognizes, that the sport isn't that predictable," he commented.

"The most important thing is the upcoming match. Even with owners, you cannot manage the future in the sport."

CEO Berrada has admitted it has taken much more time for the head coach to adapt to the top division following his move from Sporting Lisbon last November than anybody anticipated.

Manchester United have achieved 10 times in 34 league games with the Portuguese coach. They haven't managed two league games in a row and haven't finished a round of league games during this campaign higher than ninth.

The concerning numbers are challenging confidence in Amorim among the United fanbase entering a stretch of fixtures the side has performed poorly in for the past two seasons.

Amorim said he does not feel the instability internally at the team's practice complex and is firm nothing can match the stress he applies to his players - and to some extent, he would choose Ratcliffe not to be trying to bring a sense of calm because he fears the effect it might produce on the players.

"It isn't merely an item of conversation, I sense it every day," he remarked. "It's really good to hear it because it assists our supporters to grasp the administration understand it will require a while.

"But at the same moment, I dislike it because it generates a sense that we have time to solve problems. I don't desire that feeling in our organization.

"The pressure I apply to the squad or upon myself is significantly greater [than that from outside]. In football, especially in big clubs, you have to show your value every weekend."

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• Manchester United
• Top division
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