- Ruben Amorim has endured a difficult start to life as Manchester United boss
- But club icon David Beckham thinks United should give Amorim their full support
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David Beckham has called on Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his leadership team at Manchester United to throw their full support behind manager Ruben Amorim this summer.
The legendary former midfielder also warned the club not to lose its soul by selling captain Bruno Fernandes or academy stars like Alejandro Garnacho purely for financial reasons.
Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, has endured a tough start at Old Trafford, with United heading into the final weekend of the Premier League season in 16th place.
However, Wednesday’s Europa League final against Tottenham offers the chance to end the campaign with a trophy and Champions League qualification.
Despite domestic struggles, Amorim retains support from large sections of the fanbase — and Beckham, one of the most iconic graduates of the club’s academy, believes the 40-year-old deserves patience and serious backing from Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, which now oversees football operations.
‘I believe we have a very good manager now,’ Beckham told The Athletic.
David Beckham, pictured on Monday at the Chelsea Flower Show, believes Manchester United should back manager Ruben Amorim in the transfer market this summer
Amorim has endured a difficult start as United manager, winning just 15 of his first 40 matches
‘He’s young, successful and has great experience for his age. He needs the chance to bring in his team, his players – then I think you’ll see something different.’
‘Ruben definitely needs to be backed. He’s already trying to implement his philosophy, but he can’t do it without the right players.’
Beckham contrasted the post-Ferguson era of upheaval with the stability that fuelled United’s dominance during his playing days.
He added: ‘When there’s no stability, it shows. We had the same manager, the same owner, the same group – and success followed. Now, fans just want to see something better on the pitch. That’s why I like Ruben – he understands the club.’
Amorim’s summer rebuild is already gathering pace, with United on the verge of completing a £62.5million deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian, who scored 17 goals and provided seven assists this season, is expected to become Amorim’s first major signing.
Amorim is a long-time admirer of Cunha and was spotted speaking with him after United lost 1-0 at home to Wolves last month.
But while reinforcements are needed, United are also under pressure to raise funds. Selling homegrown players like Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo would count as ‘pure profit’ under the Premier League and UEFA’s financial rules.
Meanwhile, Fernandes — who has scored 19 goals for United this season — has attracted interest from Saudi side Al-Hilal.
Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group are currently in charge of football operations at Old Trafford
United captain Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a possible summer move to Saudi Arabia
However, Beckham says selling players who embody the club’s values would be a mistake.
‘I’d like to think you don’t sell your captain,’ he said. ‘Bruno’s stepped up when we’ve needed him.
‘And I hate the idea of young players who’ve grown up at United leaving. We shouldn’t be selling players purely for financial reasons. If they love the club and perform, they should stay.’
Amorim has faced criticism for sticking rigidly to his tactical system, but Beckham feels his belief in his philosophy is something to be admired.
‘Fergie always knew when to change. If Ruben sees the need, I’m sure he’ll do it – but I respect that he backs his identity as a coach.’
