Man United switched to a 3-4-3 formation when Ruben Amorim was appointed in November and they have only won ten games since.
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Amorim spoke alongside De Ligt
Amorim spoke alongside De Ligt
Ruben Amorim insists the 3-4-3 system he is wedded to "is not the problem" at Manchester United.
Amorim has sworn by a back-three formation with wingers, two central midfielders and three forwards yet United have won ten of the Portuguese's 24 games in charge, lost nine and gone out of both domestic cup competitions.
United appointed Amorim in November as he became their earliest post-war managerial appointment mid-season. United are 14th in the Premier League and have failed to win successive league fixtures all season.
If United stay in 14th, it will be their worst league finish since they were relegated in 1974 and Amorim's insistence on continuing with the 3-4-3 formation has drawn criticism. But the United head coach suggested the problem is the team's way of playing.
"I know what to do," he stressed. "But sometimes it is the life of results, and you have to win games. I know the consequences when we don’t win games, but I’m really confident. Since day one, a little bit more frustrated but I am still confident.
"It’s quite simple. We talk about the system, the system is not the problem, is the way of playing. You build up with three, two defenders and one midfielder going down. It is quite simple, I don’t see football like that.
"The problem of our team is not the system. We have a lot of problems, we are trying to work on these problems, of course every system needs different characteristics. But I was always really clear. I have one idea.
"I am still really confident because I have an idea how to play football. I will not change that, no matter what. And I’m not talking about the system, it’s the way I see football, I will not change that.
"We are going to do it. Or not! We’ll see."
Amorim has previously suggested he may not be in situ for whenever United become a successful side again. The Portuguese signed a contract until 2027, with the option of an additional year, and the club are targeting a 21st Premier League title by 2028, their 150th anniversary.
"We have to think as a club is a long project and not just solve things in this moment," he added. "If we win the cup we are in a better position, if we win Europa League we will be in an amazing position in the next year, because the problems continue here, even with Champions League.
"That’s what I want to say. I’m just trying to show that I don’t care, and I’m really confident on the people of this club. That’s all. I’m trying to show the big picture to our supporters."