More versatility, more victories, just more... raise your own game, or you will be getting your coat, Ruben

RUBEN AMORIM will have taken Sir Jim Ratcliffe's public vote of confidence in him one of two ways.

- DAVID MCDONNELL

The Manchester United head coach may have welcomed the public endorsement by his boss, along with Ratcliffe’s belief that Amorim needs to be judged over the length of his three-year contract.

Or Amorim will have viewed the backing from Ratcliffe, like so many did, as the dreaded vote of confidence, the precursor to the inevitable sacking, having been so publicly supported by the man in charge.

Whichever way he views Ratcliffe’s show of support, Amorim knows the only way to remain in charge of United long-term and to continue to have the backing of the club’s hierarchy is with an upturn in results.

A haul of 37 points from a possible 112 is the kind of return that sees teams relegated and one Amorim knows cannot continue.