Ruben Amorim issues verdict on potential Manchester United sacking and hints at behind the scenes issues

The pressure is increasing on the Manchester United boss after overseeing the club’s worst start to a league campaign in over 30 years

Ruben Amorim says Manchester United will have to sack him before he considers changing his philosophy after their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City made it their worst start to a league campaign since the 1992/93 season.

It was another chastening afternoon for United under Amorim, who accepted results had not been good enough under his stewardship, but he was quick to reiterate he wouldn’t change his approach.

“Guys, I understand that and I accept it. It's not a record you should have in Manchester United,” said Amorim, who has won just eight league games since taking over as United manager last November.

Amorim continued by suggesting that things behind the scenes had impacted his ability to get the best out of a squad that had more than £200million invested into it over the summer.

“There are a lot of things that you have no idea what happened during these months, but I accept that, but I'm not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change; if not, you have to change the man.

“We will talk about that every game, every game that we lose. I don't believe in that in the system or whatever. I play my way, and I'm going to play my way until I want to change.”

When I want to change my philosophy, I will change; if not, you have to change the man

Ruben Amorim

One of the main criticisms levelled at Amorim is that he has been unable to get the balance in midfield right, with captain Bruno Fernandes moved deeper to play in a double pivot .

Amorim was again, though, bold in his assertions that United haven’t played anywhere near as badly as their results suggest.

“Guys, I understand how football it is and the results will dictate all the narratives. Against Arsenal, who is playing against Arsenal? You think we play well? We think we were the better team? You think Odegaard, Rice, and I think Zubimendi are three top midfielders?

“We play with two. One was Casemiro, the other was Bruno. Sometimes it's the dynamic of the team, sometimes it's an opportunity that you score. I see it that way. I know that it's really hard for people,” Amorim continued.

“The fans don't want to hear me saying these things, and they know that they are not going to listen to nothing and going to be upset. With that, I cannot do nothing. I'm trying to be rational, and I don't lie to myself.

“So, I see the record, I understand the frustration of everybody and I understand any decision that came with that. But that conversation about the two midfielders, the pair, Kobbie (Mainoo) and I understand all these narratives. But then, when I look at certain games, we play with two, it's the same thing.

“I'm trying to do different things, trying to imagine the game, and then when it doesn't work, you take the critics. But that's it.”

Dejected: Ruben Amorim

AFP via Getty Images

Despite United’s disastrous start to the season and issues behind the scenes, Amorim says he is fully committed to the project and will continue to act in the best interests of the club.

“My message is that I'm going to give everything. I will do everything, always thinking about what is best for the club.

“That was always the same message, and then it's not my decision, the rest. So until I'm here, I will do my best. I really want to win games, so I'm suffering more than them.”