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The Red Devils' boss the Portuguese coach thinks it is important the investor went public with his extended perspective - but states nothing is guaranteed about tomorrow in football, much less three full years.

During a discussion with a leading newspaper recently, Ratcliffe said it could take the manager three years to make a significant impact at United's home ground.

Emerging in an era when the coach's tenure has been facing examination following an extended sequence of poor performances, the statements assisted in calming some of the immediate pressure.

However, talking ahead of the 100th meeting with old rivals Liverpool at their home ground, the manager underscored that the future is hard to predict in soccer.

"It's certainly beneficial to listen to that but he communicates to me constantly, periodically with words after games - but recognize, I'm aware and the co-owner recognizes, that the sport isn't that predictable," he said.

"The crucial element is the upcoming match. Despite having backers, you cannot control the future in the sport."

Top executive the club executive has acknowledged it has needed much more time for Amorim to adapt to the Premier League after his transfer from Sporting last November than anyone imagined.

United have won 10 victories in 34 Premier League matches during Amorim's tenure. They still haven't achieved two league games in a row and didn't complete a fixture schedule during this campaign better than ninth place.

The concerning numbers are stretching belief in the manager among the United fanbase heading into a stretch of fixtures their team has struggled during for the previous two campaigns.

Amorim said he doesn't sense the uncertainty inside the club at their training facility and is insistent nothing can match the pressure he puts on his players - and in some senses, he would choose Sir Jim to avoid attempting to create tranquility because he is concerned about the impact it could have on the squad.

"It isn't merely a thing that people talk about, I feel it every day," he said. "It's really good to receive it because it helps our fans to understand the leadership realize it needs a while.

"However simultaneously, I dislike it because it generates a sense that we have time to work things out. I don't desire that feeling in our club.

"The expectation I place on the team or on myself is so much bigger [versus outside influences]. In football, particularly at major teams, you need to prove your worth every matchday."

Associated subjects

• Manchester United
• Premier League
• Soccer