Man Utd misery deepens: Can Amorim provide a fix?

Manchester United’s poor start to the season has raised familiar questions, but Ruben Amorim is refusing to abandon his philosophy. After a chastening 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, the United head coach insisted that his commitment to the 3-4-3 system remains non-negotiable.

“I understand and accept it is not a record you should have in Manchester United,” Amorim said after Sunday’s derby at the Etihad. “When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.”

Man United’s Worst Start in Decades

Four points from four games marks United’s worst opening since 1992-93. Back then, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side could rely on a November signing like Eric Cantona to transform their fortunes. Amorim, though, has already overseen two windows of heavy spending — more than £200 million invested — yet the early numbers are bleak.

According to Opta, United now have an 11% chance of relegation, compared to just 7.3% of finishing inside the top five. That damning imbalance has not been lost on former captain Roy Keane.

“This United team lack real quality,” Keane told Sky Sports. “You talk about the system but the manager is sticking to his guns. He is not budging.”

Ratcliffe Watching On

Sir Jim Ratcliffe was a sombre figure in the stands as City picked United apart. His summer signing Benjamin Sesko endured a difficult derby debut, barely registering a touch in the opposition box. Meanwhile, Rasmus Højlund — the striker Ratcliffe moved on — scored on his Napoli debut less than 24 hours earlier.

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“I am going to give everything and do everything that is best for the club,” Amorim added. “Until I am here, I will do my best and I am suffering more than them.”

By “them”, Amorim meant the fans, many of whom had departed long before the final whistle.

Debate Over System vs Quality

For supporters and pundits, the focus remains the manager’s stubbornness. Former England international Theo Walcott was clear: “My problem with this system is you’re asking players to play in positions they’re not used to. And I’d rather have Bruno Fernandes higher up the field.”

Others argue that the squad has enough talent to switch to a 4-3-3, tightening midfield and reducing defensive exposure. Amorim counters that his team is improving beneath the surface, but results suggest otherwise.

With Sir Jim watching, the criticism mounting, and the numbers damning, the question is no longer whether Amorim will change. It is how long United will persist before deciding to “change the man.”

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