Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim says he will not change his system right now, even though results have been poor.
Amorim believes making a switch under pressure would damage his image with the players. He said not even the Pope could make him change at this moment.
The Portuguese coach has stuck with his 3-4-2-1 formation. Since his appointment last November, United have collected the fewest points of any Premier League team. They average just one point per match and hold a goal difference of minus 13. This is their worst start to a league campaign in 33 years.
Amorim met co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe this week but said they did not discuss the system. He insists change will come, but only in time. “This is my job, my responsibility, my life,” Amorim said. “The system will evolve, but we must take the right steps.”
The coach explained his concern. If he changed tactics now, he feels the squad would see him as weak. He said players notice when a manager gives in to outside pressure.
One key issue has been the midfield. Bruno Fernandes has been playing deeper than usual. Amorim believes Bruno still has influence in attack. He wants him to help United control games by keeping possession from deeper areas. “Maybe he has less freedom to get inside the box, but he is still near it and can shoot,” Amorim said.
He admitted Bruno sometimes gets frustrated, but he stressed the team is more important than individual roles. “The important thing is not Bruno playing well,” he said. “It’s the team playing well and winning football games.”
Amorim feels United are improving, but he says belief is missing compared to rivals like Liverpool. He pointed to Liverpool’s habit of scoring late winners as an example of confidence. United, he admits, often feel the opposite. “We are playing well but something goes wrong,” he said.
He blamed recent dropped points on a lack of conviction. “We scored against Burnley, against Fulham, but then we drew. These are our mistakes,” he added.
On Saturday, United face Chelsea at Old Trafford. The game will see Alejandro Garnacho return for the first time since his £40m move to Chelsea. Asked if selling the young winger could backfire, Amorim dismissed the concern. “I just want to win games,” he said. “I don’t care who is playing for the opponent. My only focus is winning.”
