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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim thinks it is important Sir Jim Ratcliffe went public with his long-term thoughts - but says nothing is certain about the future in the sport, much less three full years.

During a discussion with The Times in recent days, Sir Jim said it could take Amorim a three-year period to produce meaningful results at United's home ground.

Coming in a period when the coach's tenure has been under scrutiny following an extended sequence of disappointing results, the statements assisted in calming some of the immediate pressure.

However, talking ahead of the centenary clash with traditional foes the Reds at Anfield, the United boss underscored that what comes next is challenging to anticipate in soccer.

"It's certainly beneficial to receive that message but he communicates to me constantly, occasionally through communication after games - but understand, I know and Jim knows, that football is not like that," he commented.

"The vital factor is the upcoming match. Regardless of investors, you cannot control tomorrow in soccer."

Top executive Berrada has acknowledged it has needed significantly extended periods for the head coach to adapt to the top division after his transfer from Sporting Lisbon during the winter than anybody anticipated.

United have won 10 victories in 34 Premier League matches during Amorim's tenure. They are yet to win two league games in a row and didn't complete a matchday this season higher than ninth.

The concerning numbers are testing faith in the head coach among the United fanbase approaching a run of games the side has performed poorly in for the last couple of years.

Amorim said he isn't experiencing the instability internally at the club's Carrington training ground and is insistent nothing equals the stress he puts on the team - and in certain ways, he would choose Ratcliffe to refrain from seeking to bring a sense of calm because he worries the effect it might produce on the players.

"It's not just something people discuss, I feel it each day," he remarked. "It's certainly beneficial to listen to it because it assists our supporters to understand the management understand it will require a period.

"Yet concurrently, I dislike it because it generates a sense that we own time to resolve issues. I don't desire that sense in our team.

"The stress I place on the squad or on myself is so much bigger [compared to external sources]. In soccer, specifically at large organizations, you have to show your worth every matchday."

Associated subjects

• Manchester United
• Top division
• The beautiful game