Manchester United slipped to another damaging defeat under Ruben Amorim on Sunday as Manchester City ran out 3-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium.
The result leaves Ruben Amorim’s side with just four points from their first four league games, the club’s worst start since 1992/93.
United’s performance was again questioned, but Amorim remained defiant in his post-match press conference.
The Portuguese coach insisted he would not abandon his 3-4-3 setup, even with pressure mounting from fans and pundits alike.
“I understand and accept it is not a record you should have in Manchester United,” Amorim said. “When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.”
The comment raised eyebrows, especially with cameras catching minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking frustrated in the stands.
Reports suggest Ratcliffe has already asked questions about United’s poor start and whether Amorim is the right fit.
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Stats show how Man Utd have struggled under Ruben Amorim
The numbers since Amorim’s appointment in November tell a difficult story. According to Opta, United are the lowest-performing side in the Premier League across that period (excluding the clubs that were relegated).
| Manager | Games | Points | Goal Difference | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruben Amorim | 31 | 31 | -13 | 25.8% |
United’s average of one point per game under Amorim is the worst return of any team to have stayed in the top flight across the same stretch.
Critics argue the system leaves United too open in midfield and easy to exploit defensively.
Former captain Roy Keane summed it up bluntly: “This United team lack real quality. Look at the results, points per game, goals for and against. It is not good reading.”
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System or squad?
Fans are divided. Some believe Amorim has enough talent to play a traditional 4-3-3, with Bruno Fernandes pushed higher and new striker Benjamin Sesko better supported.
Others feel the coach is right to stick to his philosophy, even if results suggest otherwise.
Amorim himself pointed to the Arsenal game as proof of progress, saying: “Did you think we were the better team against Arsenal? They had Odegaard, Rice and Zubimendi. I see it that way. I know that is hard for people.”
For now, patience is wearing thin.
