Following a 3-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City, Manchester United boss Rúben Amorim has acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating he will accept “any decision” from the club’s management.
“The performance was not good enough. In the decisive moments, they were better than us,” he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports after United’s second Premier League loss this season. The club, which previously lost 1-0 to Arsenal, has also drawn 1-1 with Fulham and narrowly beaten Burnley 3-2 in extra time. With just four points from their first four matches, this represents United’s worst start to a Premier League campaign in 33 years. Amorim himself now holds the unwanted record of the worst win percentage of any Manchester United manager since the Second World War.
“I’m trying to be rational about it,” he said. “I’ve seen the record. I understand the frustration, and I accept any decisions that come from it. I take the criticism. That’s all I can do.”
Frustrated United fans left the Etihad Stadium long before the final whistle, to which Amorim responded: “My message? I will give everything, always thinking about what is best for the club. While I’m here, I’ll do my best. The rest is not my decision. I’m suffering more [than the fans].”
Defending his tactical philosophy, the Portuguese manager said, “There are many things behind the scenes that people are not aware of, but I accept that. I will only change my philosophy when I want to change it. If not, you have to change the manager. We have this discussion after every loss, but I don’t believe the problem is the system. I will stick to my way of playing until I decide otherwise.”
Since Amorim was appointed last November, United have accumulated the fewest points of any ever-present Premier League side, averaging just one point per game with a goal difference of -13.
“I understand how football works—results dictate the narrative,” he conceded. “I see it that way, and I know it’s hard for people to hear. The fans don’t want excuses. I don’t lie to myself. I see the record, and I will accept any decision.”
