Jamie Carragher slams 'laughable' Sir Jim Ratcliffe for Man Utd's 'mixed messages' as Ruben Amorim faces fight to last '20 weeks' in job

Earlier this year, minority United owner Ratcliffe suggested the club was close to going bust unless drastic cost-cutting measures were implemented. Now, Liverpool legend Carragher has hit out at the INEOS owner for his "laughable" remarks amid the Red Devils spending more than £200 million ($271m) on players this summer. He also believes that despite head coach Amorim wanting to stay at Old Trafford for two decades, the Portuguese could be gone within a matter of months.

He wrote in his Telegraph column: "Sir Jim Ratcliffe was stressing the need to slash budgets and raise ticket prices to avoid an economic meltdown. It’s laughable he could say that and then a few months later United were doing what they have been doing for years – spending big to revamp their squad. To say the least, there have been mixed messages, and it remains to be seen how much of a financial gamble the club have taken to get so many deals over the line."

Carragher added: "Ruben Amorim recently made the bold announcement that he wants to stay at Manchester United for 20 years. His first task going into his season-opener against Arsenal is ensuring he lasts longer than 20 weeks."

Many have reacted with surprise at the sheer amount of money United have splashed out this summer, especially after making hundreds of staff redundant. There are reports they may be able to sign Brighton's Carlos Baleba for a club-record fee, which flies in the face of Ratcliffe's previous remarks about tight finances.

In the meantime, former Sporting CP boss Amorim and Ratcliffe will hope that United can start the new Premier League season with a bang as they entertain old adversary Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.