MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim vowed not to abandon his tactical philosophy despite growing criticism and mounting pressure after a dismal start to the season. Speaking in the wake of a 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, Amorim defended his adherence to a 3-4-3 formation, asserting his belief in the system while acknowledging the pain of the club’s current struggles.
United have secured only four points from their opening four Premier League matches and were knocked out of the League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town, intensifying scrutiny on the Portuguese coach’s methods. Since taking over at Old Trafford in November last year, Amorim has overseen just eight wins in 31 league games. The club finished a disappointing 15th last season, and early signs in the current campaign suggest little progress.
“I understand that and I accept it. It’s not a record that you should have in Manchester United,” Amorim said when asked about the pressure to change tactics. “I’m not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the men. I play my way and I’m going to play my way until I want to change.”
Despite the poor results, the former Sporting Lisbon manager continues to enjoy support from the United board. That patience is being tested, however, following a £200 million ($271 million) investment into a revamped attacking line. Thus far, the returns have been underwhelming. United have scored just four goals in league play this season, with two coming from opposition own goals and one via a penalty.
One of the marquee signings, Matheus Cunha, missed the derby through injury, while £74 million striker Benjamin Sesko failed to make an impact in his first start for the club.
“My message is that I’m going to give everything. I will do everything, always thinking about what is best for the club,” Amorim added. “Until I’m here, I will do my best. I really want to win games. I’m suffering more than them (the fans).”
Sunday’s defeat was particularly stinging given United entered the derby ahead of City in the Premier League table for the first time in five years. Pep Guardiola’s side, reeling from back-to-back losses to Tottenham and Brighton before the international break, rediscovered its form at Old Trafford.
City, who remain six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, are hopeful the derby triumph can ignite their season.
“I would love it to (be the start of a good run), but I would say we started last season winning four games in a row and look how we struggled in October, November, December,” Guardiola said. “We have to improve, but that’s true that winning games, especially in the derby, you see the faces of our fans, the joy, the happiness after the game, always helps.”
For Amorim and United, the road ahead appears increasingly treacherous, with performances now under intense scrutiny and results needed to match the backing the manager has received.
