Manager Rúben Amorim insists he will not alter his tactical system despite mounting pressure, arguing that such a concession would undermine his authority in the eyes of his players.
“If I’m a player and I have a coach that, with a lot of pressure… says ‘I’m going to change’, they will look at me in a different way,” Amorim stated. “I’m doing things my way. I hope to have the time to change but it will be an evolution.”
Speaking before Chelsea’s visit to Old Trafford, Amorim acknowledged the urgent need for positive results. Although Manchester United officials have reportedly dismissed the notion that he has three games to save his job before next month’s international break, the manager understands that upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford, and Sunderland could decisively change the narrative around his leadership.
A key tactical decision involves captain Bruno Fernandes, who is set to continue in a deeper midfield role following the return of £62.5m forward Matheus Cunha from injury. This deployment has drawn criticism, particularly after defensive lapses from Fernandes led to goals in recent matches, including Phil Foden’s opener for Manchester City and Emile Smith Rowe’s equaliser for Fulham.
However, Amorim defended his reasoning, explaining that the position allows the captain to dictate the game’s tempo. “I want Bruno to have more possession to try to control the game,” he said. “Maybe he doesn’t have the same freedom to get inside the box, but he is getting there.”
The manager believes Cunha’s presence offers crucial balance to the team’s attack. “Sometimes we miss Bruno in front a little bit, but if Cunha is there we have an extra player,” Amorim added. “He’s frustrated because he is not winning and sometimes he likes to go further. But he has a job to do.”
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