According to an insider source from Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's remarkable statement that "3 years is a good time to evaluate Ruben Amorim" is actually just a reflection of the British billionaire's true nature. This is an independent businessman, who tends to be straightforward, different and has little interest in public relations.
While this statement immediately created a wave of heated debate, what made everyone most curious was what Ratcliffe did not say. Is it just a way for him to appease public opinion in the midst of a turbulent transition period, or is it a sign that a long-term vision is being shaped at Old Trafford?
Ratcliffe has chosen to avoid the truth when assessing Amorim's difficult tenure, in the context that this head coach is about to complete a year of leading the team early next month. Instead of facing reality, Man United's largest minority shareholders are looking to the familiar "sand covers" of the media, as a way to avoid seeing the harsh truth about Amorim's team.
When asked about the 40-year-old's position, Ratcliffe replied: "You can't run a club like Manchester United based on just your immediate reaction to the criticism of a few journalists every week."
However, which journalist has directly managed Man United's training sessions, chosen the starting lineup, or been steadfast with a rigorous 3-4-3 formation that brought 20 wins but also suffered 21 losses in 50 matches like Amorim?
The "Red Devils" entered the opening match of the season against the championship candidate Arsenal, amid the uncertainty of who is the number one goalkeeper, although Amorim has clearly expressed his dissatisfaction with Andre Onana since April last year. As a result, Altay Bayindir - who replaced the Cameroonian goalkeeper - made a mistake that led to Arsenal's decisive goal right at Old Trafford.
Not to mention the inability to sign a top-class defensive midfielder, causing Casemiro's aging legs and Manuel Ugarte's instability to continue to carry the midfield of Man United.
Amorim is becoming the focus of criticism from the media, experts, Man United fans as well as the rest of the football community, for his poor performance since taking charge at Old Trafford. However, the thing that could have the biggest impact on Ratcliffe was the financial issue.
Until now, the whole picture is still gloomy. The defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final in May means Man United will lose their place in the Champions League this season. That has led to a loss of about £100 million in revenue from participating in the most prestigious tournament in Europe.
The club's 15th place - the lowest in Premier League history - has paid just £136.2m in bonuses. If his ups and downs in the Premier League continue, Ratcliffe will almost certainly soon terminate Amorim's contract, instead of waiting until the end of 3 years as initially announced.
Despite spending around £170m this summer to bring in Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Senne Lammens and Diego Leon, Man United have yet to meet expectations. 3 wins (against Burnley, Chelsea and Sunderland), 3 losses (against Arsenal, Manchester City and Brentford) and a draw against Fulham showed a difficult start.
Worse, the penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup was Man United's worst and most unprofessional performance in 13 years.
Behind all that, a question is still being asked: are there any signs of a revival - the fragile green shoots that Amorim, Ratcliffe and Man United could cling to?
No one knows where Amorim will take Man United. But with another dreamy year or even just a few gloomy weeks ahead, the Portuguese captain will find it difficult to keep his seat.
