Amorim Stands Firm on 3-4-3 Approach as Manchester United Pressure Builds

Key Takeaways:

• Manchester United have secured 7 victories, 7 draws, and suffered 15 defeats from 29 Premier League matches under Ruben Amorim so far
• United managed just 33 goals while conceding 44 in those 29 fixtures
• Amorim reaffirmed on December 30 that he will persist with his 3-4-3 formation despite recent setbacks

Struggles Continue as United Seek Improvement

Ruben Amorim finds himself under mounting scrutiny at Manchester United, with pressure accelerating following the 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday. The result extended recent frustrations and was perceived by many supporters as a step backward, despite faint hopes of improvement compared with last term’s low baseline.

Amorim’s 3-4-3 Under Intense Scrutiny

Debate has raged from the outset regarding Amorim’s use of a 3-4-3 system—an approach he used to great effect at Sporting, where he constructed a formidable reputation. In stark contrast, his Premier League tenure at Old Trafford has delivered a record of 7 wins, 7 draws, and 15 defeats across 29 matches. During this spell, United have found the net just 33 times whilst conceding 44 goals, a far cry from Amorim’s high-scoring days in Lisbon.

🗣 Ruben Amorim: "I am very confident that we are going to get many wins." [sky] #mufc pic.twitter.com/gRXPLw7oIU

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) August 24, 2025

Calls for Change Met with Defiance

With each disappointing performance, calls have intensified for a return to a back-four, a more conventional approach in the Premier League. Nevertheless, Amorim has consistently defended his philosophy. Following United’s fourth straight defeat during a difficult festive period on December 30, he remarked:

“I cannot change my idea in one day because we will lose much more now. So I will try to do it the way I am trying to do it. I adapt for every game – the positioning, the way the players are trying to cope without training. So it’s really hard for them. But I maintain my idea, I want to play a certain way until the end. If I change everything now, we are going to lose everything.”

He reinforced his stance in a separate interview, insisting: “Like I said, you cannot go back. We have to continue to push. Remember, we had like four training sessions altogether. So that is important. I know what you guys are trying to reach [for, with your questions], but it is really clear. I was here because of my idea, and I will continue to do my idea until the end.”

New Era, Increased Expectation

Although circumstances hindered him when first installed at Old Trafford in November amid significant unrest both on and off the pitch, Amorim is no longer afforded the same allowances. The overhaul of United’s leadership and improvements to the Carrington training facility signal a new era for the club.

This season, without European competition, Amorim will have greater opportunity to work on the training ground—a factor he has previously highlighted. Supporters and club hierarchy alike will be expecting the benefit of these sessions to materialise soon as United seek to get their campaign back on track.