Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has insisted that his system is not the problem in a difficult season - although some Manchester Evening News readers disagree
Comments
Sport
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim
(Image: Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim has insisted that the system he is training Manchester United's squad in is not the cause of their difficulties this season, saying "it’s the way I see football, I will not change that". But, some fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section are begging to see some sort of pragmatic tweak that will improve United's short-term results.
Amorim arrived at the club in November 2024, imposing his preferred playing style and the much-debated 3-4-3 formation that served him well at his previous club Sporting. United are 14th in the Premier League, winning 10 games from his 24 in charge, and progression in the Europa League looks to be the only way left to fight for a bright moment in a difficult season.
Speaking at a press conference, Amorim said: “I know what to do. 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.”
Many fans are calling for change, at least some of the time, to get the best out of the players at the club. Reader SimplyRed60 says: “He may be right, but surely it's worth reverting to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 in some games, even if only to provide a challenge to opponents.
“Most good teams adapt styles to suit players and opponents. This dogged determination to play one way at all costs, even when he doesn't have the players to make it work, may end up being his downfall. I hope not, we all want him to succeed but results and performances are not getting better.”
Commenter Ghostdad writes: “A 'one trick pony' in Antony did not work in the Premier League, and a 'one trick pony' off the pitch in Amorim will not work. A coach needs to have the ability to find a way of playing that suits the players he has available, not the players he dreams of having.”
NickinFrance says: “I am finding Amorim increasingly incoherent. If the system isn't key to how he see football, then why does he stick rigidly to the same one, irrespective of opposition, what is happening in the game, whether we're winning or losing, home or away etc.? Even Guardiola - the most 'systems'-oriented manager there is - adapts players and system to a degree between games. I don't see Amorim's rigidity as a strength.”
Bigthingsonly agrees: “Yeah, he should be able to tweak the formation to suit the current players, until he is giving backing by the board to provide him players that fit his original philosophy.”
Mulp writes: “I think we should stick to Ruben’s idea and go 3-4-3 in the league. Although for Europe, Fergie treated every game like a cup game and picked a team to win based on our strengths and the opponents. Park Ji-sung became a legend because of the role he played in some games. Let’s just find the way to win.”
Sav7 says: “I want Amorim to do well, but for me it's the stubbornness and unwillingness to adapt that's the problem. Management is also about getting the best out of your players available to you, and the players look low in confidence and dejected. Fast forward 2 years from now and having spent another 200 million on players, we will be in the same boat with a different manager, and the loop continues.”
Dogman3000 worries about leaning too hard into the formation in the summer transfer window: “The wing-backs will have to be super fit and be able to attack and defend really well in the Prem. So basically specialists in that position - the problem is you need at least 4 of them (2 for each side), but we can't be spending the budget recruiting for that position - it's madness. And what happens if/when Amorim gets sacked and we have players for a system the new manager doesn't want?”
Have your say! Would you be pragmatic in Amorim's situation, or would you stick to your guns? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.