"Don't Want to Discuss It" - Amorim Snipes at Formation Question in Tense Man Utd Exchange

Amorim’s Formation Dilemma and Press Conference Tensions

Rúben Amorim has consistently used a 3-4-3 formation since his early days coaching Casa Pia in Portugal's lower leagues. This approach has remained largely unchanged during his tenure as manager of Manchester United, despite the team's overall poor results. There was speculation last month that he might shift to a more traditional back-four setup, which he did in the 4-4 draw against Bournemouth.

In a press conference on Christmas Eve ahead of the match against Newcastle, Amorim addressed the possibility of changing his system. He explained that it would take too long and cost too much money to implement his preferred 3-4-3 formation fully. His comments were: "I think in the future we can change also, like I was always talking to you guys, the system, we can play a different way. To take more quality from these players, because I have the feeling that if we have to play a perfect 3-4-3, we need to spend a lot of money and we need time. So, I'm starting to understand that is not going to happen, so maybe I have to adapt."

These remarks sparked significant reactions on social media and led to further questioning in a subsequent press conference. A reporter asked for clarification, resulting in a tense exchange. When asked whether he regretted his comments, Amorim responded, "No, no, no. But I [don’t] want to talk about that." The press officer quickly moved on to the next question to avoid further discussion.

Amorim’s Confidence in Understanding the Team

Despite the criticism, Manchester United fans have shown patience with Amorim, even though his record has been disappointing. However, there has been increasing online backlash, and supporters at Old Trafford booed the team off the pitch after a 1-1 draw against Wolves, who had an historic losing streak of 12 games.

Gary Neville questioned Amorim's substitution choices during the Newcastle match, and fans expressed frustration when he brought on Leny Yoro and Bendito Mantato in an attempt to secure a win against Wolves. Amorim defended his decisions, acknowledging that not everyone agreed with them. He stated, "I understand the team better than anyone. And sometimes you have the supporters on your decisions. Sometimes you have to do what you think and sometimes it's hard for them to understand. But I know when I look at the pitch, I can understand which player is tired, which player is going to struggle a lot if there is one against one all the time. And I just try to protect the team and just try to win games."

Looking Ahead: Facing Leeds United

After dropping points against a struggling Wolves side, Manchester United will face a much-improved Leeds United, who are unbeaten in their last six games and have climbed eight points clear of the relegation zone. Amorim confirmed that his team will still be without key players such as injured centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, as well as midfielders Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, and captain Bruno Fernandes. Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo are also away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Amorim warned about the threat posed by Leeds' speed, stating, "They have a lot of pace and sometimes we struggle with pace. We prove that we can win any game in any situation in every context. We will try to do that. We know they change the system; the last game they rotated two players who are usually the starters, Good players, and a good manager."