Amorim Responds to Criticism After Manchester United Defeat
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has responded forcefully to suggestions that he should modify his 3-4-3 system following the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. Amorim stated that if the club does not trust his philosophy, “they should change the man.” The defeat marked the third of the season for United, with two in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby Town. Pep Guardiola’s team took the opportunity to end their run of two defeats with a victory over their neighbors. Since replacing Erik ten Hag last November, Amorim has managed only 8 wins in 31 Premier League matches, which has drawn criticism for his refusal to change the tactical formation he has used since arriving at the club.Faced with questions from journalists about whether the poor results justify a change in formation, Amorim insisted that he will not alter his approach. Amorim added: “I understand everything. It’s normal [if the fans are losing faith], but I don’t accept that we are not improving. We are improving and the results don’t show it, the record says it all, I understand.” The coach also expressed his commitment: “My message is that I will do everything. I will give everything. It’s not my decision, the rest. I will do the best I can. I am suffering more than them [the fans].” Pressure on Amorim increases, as United will face Chelsea at Old Trafford next Saturday. The former Sporting CP coach says that both he and his players need time to succeed, but he is satisfied with their effort and attitude. “We are playing against a coach who has won six Premier League titles and we are building things, trying to fight against these teams,” said Amorim. “But I’m not going to defend myself, it’s always the same question, trying to protect myself. We need to do better.” “If I look at the match, last year we drew and won against City and today we were a bit better, but in the small details it clearly wasn’t good enough.” “We are building things, but of course we need to earn.” “I didn’t see any player on my team who didn’t give their all. The rest depends on me. The disappointment sometimes I feel that we could run more, but I didn’t have that feeling today. It’s my fault, not theirs, and I’m okay with that.”I am not going to change my philosophy. If they [the United board] want me to change, they should change the man.
Rúben Amorim
