Manchester United's head coach, Ruben Amorim, is standing firm on his controversial formation, declaring that not even the Pope himself could persuade him to change. This comes amidst a turbulent period for the club, marked by a recent defeat in the Manchester derby and a visit from minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe's Visit: Emergency Summit or Planned Discussion?
While United officials maintain that Ratcliffe's visit to the Carrington training ground was a pre-planned event, the timing raises questions. Amorim jokingly stated that Ratcliffe was offering him a new contract, but the conversation inevitably turned to the team's struggling form and the coach's unwavering commitment to the 3-4-2-1 formation.
Despite widespread criticism and a poor start to the season – only one win in four Premier League games and an early exit from the EFL Cup at the hands of League Two's Grimsby – Amorim remains resolute. He believes changing his system under pressure would undermine his authority in the eyes of the players.
Amorim's Stubborn Stance: A Matter of Principle?
"If I'm a player and I have a coach that, with a lot of pressure and [people] all around the world, are saying 'you need to change the system', says 'I'm going to change', they will look at me in a different way," Amorim explained. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and the impact that decisions have on the team's perception of him.
While acknowledging the need for evolution, Amorim insists on doing things his way. Data analysis suggests that United's attacking performance has improved, particularly with the addition of Bryan Mbeumo. The team ranks highly in Expected Goals (xG) and shots attempted. Mbeumo, along with Bruno Fernandes, has been a key creative force. However, these improvements haven't translated into results on the pitch.
Facing Chelsea: A Crucial Test for Amorim
Manchester United's struggles are further highlighted by their poor league position, currently 14th after finishing 15th the previous season and failing to qualify for European football. The upcoming match against Chelsea at Old Trafford is already shaping up as a crucial test for Amorim's future at the club. Ratcliffe's continued support, expressed earlier this year, will be put to the test if United fail to deliver a positive result.