A body language expert believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe showed signs of “tension” and “secrecy” while discussing Ruben Amorim’s future at Manchester United, suggesting the INEOS boss may not be as confident in his public backing as he appeared. Despite insisting Amorim’s job is safe, subtle gestures in Ratcliffe’s recent interview hinted at unease and possible internal conflict over the under-fire manager.
Ratcliffe’s words say patience — but his body says pressure
Manchester United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly backed Ruben Amorim, but a new body language analysis suggests his confidence might not tell the full story.
During an appearance on The Business Podcast by The Times, Ratcliffe reiterated that Amorim will be given a three-year window to prove himself, insisting United will not “run on knee-jerk reactions.” The billionaire’s comments were intended to project calm, long-term thinking amid growing frustration among supporters.
However, according to Inbaal Honigman, an expert who analysed the interview for OLBG, Ratcliffe’s nonverbal cues told a different story.
Crossed arms form a protective gesture, as if hiding himself from the toughest questions, Honigman explained. Even more so when Sir Jim’s hand covers his own bicep — a self-soothing motion.
She also pointed to his rapid blinking during direct questions about Amorim’s future — “a telltale sign of discomfort or concealment,” she said.
Subtle gestures hint at uncertainty
Honigman described Ratcliffe’s mix of confident and defensive gestures as “contradictory,” suggesting he may have been balancing honesty with diplomacy.
His chopping hand gestures showed authority and control, she added. But the shifts in his posture and brief self-hugs betrayed tension and secrecy — signals that often occur when someone wants to project confidence while feeling uncertain inside.
Her analysis has fueled speculation that Ratcliffe’s public defence of Amorim masks deeper discussions behind the scenes. Reports have already hinted tat some members of INEOS and the Glazer family are divided on whether to persist with the Portuguese manager, who has managed just 10 wins in 34 league games since taking charge.
Amorim’s tenure under increasing strain
The 40-year-old’s time at Old Trafford has been turbulent. United currently sit 10th in the Premier League, having already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town, and pressure is mounting on both Amorim and his leadership team.
Despite Ratcliffe’s insistence on “patience and structure,” sources suggest contingency plans are being quietly discussed in case results fail to improve. The cost of dismissing Amorim — believed to be around £12 million — has so far deterred any drastic action.
The club’s hierarchy remains keen to avoid another managerial cycle, but mounting frustration among fans could force a rethink if results don’t turn around quickly.
Next stop: Anfield — a defining test for Amorim
After the international break, Manchester United travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on October 19 — a fixture that could shape Amorim’s future. Anything short of a strong performance could intensify scrutiny and reignite speculation about potential replacements.
For Ratcliffe, the coming weeks represent a major test of his credibility and leadership style. While he insists Amorim remains safe, the body language breakdown suggests even the INEOS chief might be preparing for a turbulent few months.
The message from Old Trafford remains one of stability and long-term vision, but as Honigman’s analysis reveals — Ratcliffe’s body might already be signalling what his words can’t say.
