Following Manchester United's recent 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, manager Ruben Amorim has made a candid confession regarding his tactical approach and future with the club. The loss, which saw Phil Foden score an early header and Erling Haaland net a brace, has deepened concerns about United's performance this season, leaving them with only four points from their first four Premier League matches.
Amorim, who took over as manager last November, has faced criticism for his rigid 3-4-2-1 system and his reluctance to deviate from it. Addressing this, Amorim stated firmly that he would not change his tactical philosophy. He declared that if the club desires a different approach, they would have to "change the man". This statement highlights Amorim's conviction in his methods and his willingness to stand by them, even in the face of mounting pressure.
The manager acknowledged the disappointment of the fans and admitted to sharing their suffering. When asked about his message to fans losing faith, Amorim asserted his commitment to giving everything for the club and always prioritizing its best interests. However, he also pointed out that his future is not solely his decision.
Amorim's remarks suggest an understanding of the precariousness of his position. With only eight league wins since his arrival, his record is far from ideal. To illustrate the situation, since Amorim's appointment last November, United have gained the fewest points of any team that has been ever-present in the Premier League, and they are averaging one point per game with a -13 goal difference. He admitted that the results "dictate the narrative" in football and that he is aware of the pressure. Despite the poor results, Amorim insisted that he sees the team improving, though the results do not reflect this. He also alluded to undisclosed events behind closed doors that have negatively impacted the team.
In the post-match press conference, Amorim dissected the goals conceded against Manchester City, identifying specific moments where his team could have done better. He noted the lack of aggression in defending against Jeremy Doku for the first goal, the failure to properly cover space during a throw-in that led to the second, and the confusion in allowing Erling Haaland too much space for the third.
Despite the defeat and the scrutiny, Amorim remains resolute in his belief in his approach. He draws confidence from past experiences, such as a 4-1 victory against Manchester City with his former club, Sporting Lisbon. While acknowledging that his current record at Manchester United is unacceptable, he is determined to continue implementing his vision and philosophy.