Sir Jim Ratcliffe has opened himself up to criticism after his decision of sacking Erik ten Hag just months after giving him a new deal – with Manchester United landing Ruben Amorim as his replacement

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is under pressure to nail his decision making

Alan Shearer maintains that INEOS’ decision to appoint Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s replacement is “one they must get right.” Sir Jim Ratcliffe and company decided to fire their Dutch manager earlier this week following weeks of disappointing results, which left Manchester United in 14th place in the Premier League. They swiftly turned to Amorim, who will leave Sporting Lisbon to become the new manager at Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been exposed for criticism after firing Erik ten Hag just months after offering him a new contract.

The decision to sack Ten Hag was by no means surprising, but has thrown the decision making in Manchester into the spotlight. Back in the summer there was talk of a change in the dugout but instead the hierarchy chose to retain the ex-Ajax boss and also hand him a new contract.

Already they have moved him on though with the Red Devils the first team to change managers this term. Ratcliffe also sanctioned numerous transfers under Ten Hag with the bosses under pressure to get the big calls right going forward.

Shearer told Betfair: “It now looks like Ruben Amorim will be named the next Manchester United manager, and for INEOS’ sake, it is a decision that they must get right because they’ve had a poor start to their time at the club. They have gone in there, cost-cut, got rid of a lot of normal working people, but then they decided to give Erik ten Hag a new contract, £200 million to spend and then, after three and a half months, decide to sack him. That isn’t a very good start at all.

“They must get this decision right. It’s a big call and there are no guarantees but what Ruben Amorim does hopefully bring is youth, enthusiasm and know-how even though he is still so young. He has a great record up to now at a big football club in Sporting, but he’s going to a giant of a football club, which is very different, so they must get this appointment right.”

Amorim has been a huge success in his homeland, helping Sporting end their 19-year wait for a league title. He’s since claimed another top flight triumph with the Lisbon outfit well placed to retain their crown again this term.

Ruben Amorim is the new man at the helm in Manchester 

The 39-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise, which is why the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham all considered hiring him in the past. Shearer has no concerns over Amorim’s age but admits managing the Premier League giants is a whole new beast to leading Sporting.

He said: “You can see the reaction, the scrutiny and the intensity that’s put on that club every week. He looks very promising, very good, and you cannot argue with the job he has done at Sporting, but it is without doubt a step up at Manchester United. If he is the man to take over, then you’d think the team can improve quite quickly.”

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