Manchester United (Man Utd) currently still backs manager Bruno Amorim in his role, but amid growing crisis at Old Trafford, some of the club's players are gradually losing faith in his tactical system. In last Sunday's Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium, Amorim's side lost 0-3 to Manchester City (Man City), yet he insisted that he would rather be sacked than change his coaching philosophy.
The Portuguese coach still has the support of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club's senior management, but his refusal to compromise risks losing the backing of some squad members.
Some players have never adapted to the 3-4-2-1 formation introduced by Amorim after he succeeded Erik ten Hag in November last year. Man Utd had hoped the 40-year-old would have a full pre-season to integrate the team, and invested £236 million in new signings to fit his tactical setup, in a bid to reverse the fortunes of the club's worst season in half a century.
However, Man Utd has only picked up four points from the first four games of the current Premier League season, marking the worst start in nearly 33 years. Additionally, the team was knocked out of the EFL Cup by League One side Grimsby Town.
It is understood that after Sunday's 0-3 defeat to Man City in the Manchester Derby, Amorim insisted he would rather be sacked than alter his tactical philosophy. While Man Utd still supports Amorim for now, players are increasingly losing confidence in his tactical system.
Despite Amorim having been in charge for nearly 11 months, players are still struggling to adapt to his coaching style. Even one of his strongest supporters – captain Bruno Fernandes (commonly known as B Fernandes) – is believed to be reluctant to play in a deeper midfield position.
Sources at Man Utd stated that it is incorrect to suggest Amorim has lost the support of the dressing room, and insisted he still has backers within the squad.
But former Man Utd star Wayne Rooney has questioned whether the players truly understand the tactical system. He also pointed out that under Amorim's leadership, Man Utd is regressing, noting that the manager has won just 8 out of 31 Premier League games in charge.
