Ruben Amorim admits he ‘doesn’t know how Man United plays’

30/08/2025 21:47:00 VictoryVox

In a pre-match interview on Manchester United’s official website before facing Burnley, the club’s head coach Ruben Amorim openly discussed his tactics. He admitted that he is genuinely puzzled and uncertain about what tactical system Man United is using.

It seemed like we would soon witness a transformed Man United, Ruben Amorim has alarmed Man United fans after failing to win any of the first three games of the season, with the most embarrassing defeat coming against Grimsby Town, a team from the fourth division. Many criticized the Portuguese coach for being too rigid, stubbornly sticking to his three-defender system.

During the pre-match press conference ahead of the Burnley game, Ruben Amorim candidly addressed his tactical approach. He stated that his tactics are not the problem; rather, the Man United players have not yet fully grasped them.

“Throughout my playing career, I operated in 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formations, but I have never played in a 3-4-3 setup. So, I have this idea that we need to master this system first, and then we can adapt to everything else. Some coaches use one system and then switch to another. But I don’t think like that. I believe we have one system, and once we understand how to play it, we will naturally adjust to different systems. Until the players can play it with their eyes closed, I will be able to change many things.”

Amorim tuyên bố sẽ không thay đổi chiến thuật của mình chỉ để giành chiến thắng (Ảnh: AFP) — Amorim declares he won’t alter his tactics just to secure wins (Photo: AFP)

“You can’t pin us down to always playing with 3, 4, or 5 defenders. I’m simply trying to coach the players according to my idea. I’ve said this many times, and here’s the interesting part: ‘If I changed just to win at all costs or to play a 4-3-3, I wouldn’t be here now.”

Additionally, Amorim spoke about the period when Manchester United’s board approached him. Although there was some skepticism from the board, the Portuguese coach remained confident in his tactics:

“Before I joined M.U, the management asked me: ‘Can you use a different system?’ I told them I would stick to my system no matter what. If that’s acceptable to you, then fine. But in the future, I might change it. If one morning I wake up and realize it’s best to change my tactics, I will do so immediately. I just want to win.”

Amorim nghĩ rằng bản thân ông phải tin ông cần thay đổi, thay vì thay đổi chỉ vì cảm thấy kết quả không tốt (Ảnh: Daily Sports). — Amorim believes that he must be convinced to change, rather than doing so just because results are poor (Photo: Daily Sports).

Finally, Ruben Amorim emphasized that the most important thing is not to rush changing tactics simply due to bad results:

“But if I intended to change the system because of poor results, I don’t think the players would understand me. They would think I’m talking about an idea but don’t actually believe in it.”

“So, the issue isn’t the system. We didn’t lose to Grimsby because of the 3-4-3 formation. What I mean is, in the first half, I didn’t even know which system my team was playing, so, guys, the problem isn’t the system.”

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