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The Red Devils' boss Amorim thinks it is important the investor openly discussed his long-term thoughts - but says nothing is certain about the future in the sport, never mind three seasons.

During a discussion with The Times in recent days, Sir Jim mentioned it may need the head coach three years to produce meaningful results at the Theatre of Dreams.

Coming in a period when Amorim's future has been receiving close inspection following an extended sequence of disappointing results, the comments helped quell a portion of the current stress.

However, talking ahead of the hundredth encounter with old rivals Liverpool at Anfield, the United boss underscored that the future is hard to predict in football.

"It is really good to receive that message but he tells me all the time, periodically with words after games - but recognize, I'm aware and the co-owner recognizes, that soccer doesn't work that way," he commented.

"The most important thing is the following fixture. Regardless of investors, you cannot dictate tomorrow in soccer."

Chief executive Omar Berrada has acknowledged it has needed far longer for the head coach to acclimate to the English top flight after his transfer from Sporting during the winter than any person expected.

United have won 10 times in 34 top-flight fixtures during Amorim's tenure. They are yet to win two league games in a row and didn't complete a round of league games during this campaign above ninth position.

The worrying figures are stretching belief in the head coach among the Red Devils supporters approaching a stretch of fixtures the side has performed poorly in for the past two seasons.

The manager stated he does not feel the instability internally at their training facility and is adamant nothing equals the pressure he applies to the team - and in some senses, he would rather the co-owner not to be trying to create tranquility because he fears the impact it could have on the players.

"It's not just an item of conversation, I sense it every day," he remarked. "It's certainly beneficial to hear it because it benefits our followers to grasp the leadership know it is going to take a while.

"Yet concurrently, I don't like it because it gives a feeling that we possess time to resolve issues. I don't wish for that feeling in our club.

"The stress I put on the team or to myself is significantly greater [compared to external sources]. In football, especially in big clubs, you need to prove your value each weekend."

Associated subjects

• The Red Devils
• Premier League
• The beautiful game