A 3-0 defeat in the Manchester derby raises more questions about Ruben Amorim's long-term future at Man United.
Amorim suffered his first Manchester derby defeat
Amorim suffered his first Manchester derby defeat
Ruben Amorim retains the support of the Manchester United hierarchy despite the club's worst start to a season in 33 years.
The 3-0 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday leaves Amorim with a horrendous record of eight wins from 31 Premier League games. United are bottom of a table consisting of the 17 ever-present top flight teams dating back to his first match in charge on November 24.
A source close to Amorim admits it is "incredible" that his position is not under genuine threat despite 16 defeats in the 31 league matches.
United invested £225.32million in four signings in the summer but they have won only one of their opening four league fixtures and scored one goal from open play in six hours.
Sandwiched between their dismal league form was the humiliating League Cup elimination by fourth tier Grimsby Town last month. United's only chance of silverware this season is in the FA Cup.
Amorim, 40, is under contract at United until 2027 and reiterated he will not deviate from the 3-4-2-1 system he is wedded to. The Portuguese stressed that if United want to change their formation they will have to change the manager.
"Guys, I understand that and I accept," Amorim said of his league record. "It is not a record you should have in Manchester United. There are a lot of things - you have no idea what happened during these months - but I accept that. I am not going to change.
"When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man. We will talk about that every game that we lose. I don't believe in that, in the system, or whatever. I believe in my way and I am going to play my way until I want to change.
"My message is that I am going to give everything. I will do everything, always thinking about what is best for the club. That was always the same message.
"It is not my decision, the rest (on whether United change manager). Until I am here, I will do my best. I really want to win games. I am suffering more than them."