Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has rejected the idea that he is 'fixated' on his tactical approach.
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim has denied claims he's stuck on one formation at Man Utd (Image: MUFC)
Ruben Amorim has dismissed suggestions that he is "fixated" on his tactical approach at Manchester United, whilst confirming he remains "willing" to tweak his set-up in pursuit of victories. The Portuguese boss has remained committed to his 3-4-3 system since arriving from Sporting, previously declaring that not even the Pope could convince him to alter United's tactical framework.
The formation has proved divisive, though Amorim earned the Premier League manager of the month award in October following victories over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton, which quietened doubts surrounding his position. United have begun November with two draws and a loss to Everton, who secured all three points at Old Trafford despite competing with only 10 players for 77 minutes following a red card.
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Amorim faced accusations of inflexibility against Everton, but he has maintained he can adapt. DAZN Portugal has introduced a fresh Q&A series on YouTube, offering supporters the chance to pose questions to the "biggest Portuguese figures in world football", with Amorim appearing as the inaugural guest.
Amorim was questioned about whether he would revert to the "mobile attacking style" he deployed at Sporting, where no fixed striker operated and the forward line continuously rotated. Whilst Viktor Gyokeres was the preferred striker throughout Amorim's tenure at Sporting, the system was constructed around rotations, with Gyokeres instructed to move wide, connect play and drop deeper.
The 40-year-old manager revealed United have already experimented with a more flexible attacking system this season and, notably, emphasised that he was "willing" to explore different tactical approaches - including deploying Mbeumo centrally.
Amorim said: "We did it against Liverpool, it wasn't with Bryan Mbeumo, it was with Cunha. And it's an option that we have, and nowadays, everyone, I think not only in the English league but in the Portuguese league, in all leagues, there's a great variation in how things are structured.
"We might say it's a 4-4-2, but five minutes later it's a 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3. And therefore I'm willing to do anything, contrary to what many people think that I'm too fixated on one thing.
"I simply start with a basic foundation, but obviously, we can use it in the future. And we've already thought about that with Bryan [playing central] because he's very strong in transitions.
"I do think it's the best position for him [out wide] because he likes to be hidden, he doesn't like people watching him. He can attack, be more dangerous on one of the flanks, either the right or the left, rather than as a striker, but it's a good option, therefore I'll be able to use it in the future as I did several times at Sporting."
Amorim has consistently maintained his tactical approach is not the issue. Speaking earlier this year, he said: "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."
United currently sit 10th in the Premier League standings, only three points behind fourth place.