‘Not even Pope could persuade me’ – Amorim insists on his formation

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has declared he will not abandon his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, despite mounting criticism over the team’s poor start to the season.

The Portuguese manager, speaking ahead of United’s Premier League clash with Chelsea, said not even external pressure could sway him from his tactical approach.

“Not even the Pope will change this,” Amorim told reporters. “This is my job, my responsibility, my life. I will not change that.”

Amorim believes altering his system under pressure would damage his authority in the dressing room.

“If I change because of outside noise, players will look at me differently. I have to stay consistent. I hope to evolve the system with time, but it will be on my terms.”

Ratcliffe visit and urgency for results

This week has been turbulent for United, following last weekend’s derby defeat to Manchester City.

Minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe made a high-profile visit to Carrington, arriving by helicopter on Thursday. Club officials insisted the trip was “pre-planned” and not an emergency intervention.

Amorim joked that Ratcliffe “was offering me a new contract” when asked what was discussed.

United have won only once in their opening four league fixtures and suffered an early EFL Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby.

While officials deny that Amorim faces a three-match deadline to save his job, upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford, and Sunderland are expected to be crucial.

Fernandes role under scrutiny

The expected return of £62.5m forward Matheus Cunha could see captain Bruno Fernandes continue in a deeper midfield role against Chelsea.

Fernandes has faced criticism for failing to track runners in recent matches, but Amorim defended his deployment.

“I want Bruno to have more possession and control the game,” he said. “Sometimes we miss him in front, but with Cunha, we have another option in attack.”

Structural challenges at United

Meanwhile, director of football Jason Wilcox gave a candid assessment of the club’s situation, admitting the challenges have been greater than anticipated.

Speaking at a Q&A, Wilcox said: “I thought the club was in a much better place than it was. The whole structure needed change. I pray we get the opportunity to turn it around.”