I won’t change my philosophy – Amorim defiant after derby loss

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has doubled down on his commitment to his controversial 3-4-3 system, saying he will not change and that for a different philosophy you have to “change the man”.

United’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester City means that, with four points from four games, they have made their poorest start to a league season since 1992-93 under Sir Alex Ferguson.

That season marked the end of United’s 26-year wait to win the title but before optimism about a repeat starts to build, that was a 42-game campaign and, more importantly, did not contain a transfer window. Ferguson could go out and buy Eric Cantona in November, which changed the course of history.

Despite spending more than £200m on new players in the last two summers, after just four games, stats guru Opta say United now stands more chance (11%) of getting relegated this season than of finishing inside the top five (7.3%).

“It concerns me,” former United skipper Roy Keane told Sky Sports of their form.

“This United team lack real quality. Look at the results, points per game, goals for and against. It is not good reading.

“You talk about the system but the manager is sticking to his guns. He is not budging.”

Amorim has been asked about his formation numerous times.

Numerous times, he has defended it and says he will not change.

Sitting in the media conference room at Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening, he pushed the situation a little bit further than he has done before.

“I understand and accept it is not a record you should have in Manchester United,” he said.

“There are a lot of things, you have no idea what happened during these months but I am not going to change.

“When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.”