Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has made it clear that “not even the Pope” could persuade him to abandon his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, despite mounting criticism following United’s 3-0 Manchester derby defeat.
United have endured their worst start to a Premier League season since 1992/93, winning just once in their opening four matches. That lone victory came against newly promoted Burnley, while they also suffered a shock League Cup exit to Grimsby.
Amorim Defends His System
The derby defeat marked Amorim’s 16th Premier League loss in 31 matches, and pressure is growing on the Portuguese coach. Still, he remains defiant, citing his long-term vision.
“No one, not even the Pope will change [my system],” Amorim said. “This is my job, this is my responsibility, this is my life – so, I will not change that. If I’m a player and I have a coach that, with a lot of pressure and [people] all around the world, are saying ‘you need to change the system’, says ‘I’m going to change’, they will look at me in a different way. Everything is important when you think about the impact that a decision is going to have on the team. I’m doing things my way. I hope to have the time to change but it will be an evolution.”
Tactical Adjustments for Chelsea Clash
Amorim confirmed Matheus Cunha will return to the starting XI against Chelsea after recovering from a hamstring issue. The forward, who once scored a hat-trick against Chelsea while at Wolves, will provide more support up front.
That adjustment means Bruno Fernandes will drop deeper, a move Amorim insists is crucial for control.
“I want Bruno to have more possession to try to control the game,” Amorim added. “Maybe he doesn’t have the same freedom to get inside the box but he is getting there and he can do his shots. Sometimes we miss Bruno in front a little bit but if Cunha is there we have an extra player. I’m just trying to balance the team and imagine the game and I see Bruno well. He’s frustrated because he is not winning and sometimes he likes to go further, but he has a job to do.”
Chelsea’s Old Trafford Record
Chelsea travel to Old Trafford on Saturday evening, but history is against them. The Blues have not won at the stadium since May 2013, when Juan Mata scored a late winner against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
United then face another London opponent, Brentford, on September 27.
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