Coach Amorim Pledges Not to Step Down from United however Acknowledges Sack Awaits Should Results Don't Get Better
Ruben Amorim has stated emphatically that he will not step down from his position despite the club's current difficulties, though he admits that he could face the sack should performances fail to turn around.
Current Struggles & League Position
The head coach has managed only 34 points in his 33 Premier League games, and Manchester United currently sitting in 14th place in the standings following finishing 15th finish last season. United have secured just two wins in the first seven games this campaign, which includes a shock League Cup defeat at Grimsby and a recent defeat to Brentford. That result extended the manager's search to secure his first consecutive league victories since arriving 11 months ago.
This Saturday, Sunderland FC will visit Old Trafford, and another loss could increase the pressure on the Portuguese coach.
Amorim's Position Regarding Stepping Down
When asked about whether he think about quitting, Amorim responded: “No, that is a decision for the directors. I cannot do that. Sometimes I have those thoughts and losing hurts, failing to build positive momentum. It is deeply disappointing after building that momentum, go to the next game, things go wrong. That feeling often affects me a lot. Also the players and especially the coaching team at the club. Yet that is not my decision and I believe it would be really hard to leave unless I haven't given everything to follow my path here.”
“It’s a dream to be here and I want to continue at the club and I'm determined to battle for success. But the issue now that causes me pain is to lose matches, not to lose my job. You worry about to lose your job if you need to cover the bills and I don’t feel that pressure.”
Defending the 3-4-3 Tactics
The 40-year-old additionally launched an impassioned defence of the three-at-the-back formation, that has been the focus for plenty of scrutiny. The coach has used the formation consistently and it is so far failed to deliver steady results craved.
“No one at the club is naive,” he commented. “We understand that the team need results to advance our plans. We'll reach a point where it's untenable for everyone since this is a massive club with a lot of sponsors, under dual ownership. So it’s hard, managing expectations is very difficult. What I want is for the side – in victory or losing – performing the same way and we are not doing so.”
He pointed out that the team had played various formations with past coaches, yet to no avail. “We must perform the same way, with equal power, with matching energy, with the same focus. Should we achieve that, the system won't matter which setup we use.”
Plans for Winter Friendlies
Amorim announced intentions to arrange lucrative mid-season exhibition games in order to increase funds lost by not qualifying for European competition. “We must do it and we knew it when we miss Europe,” he explained. “We have our fans and our budget and we want to be with our fans around the world.”
Memorial to Manchester Attack
United will observe a minute’s silence this weekend with the squad will wear black armbands as a mark of respect following the tragic incident at a synagogue on Thursday. Manchester City will also pay respects during their league and women's matches this weekend.