Not even the Pope could make me change my ways at United, says Amorim | OneFootball

Under pressure after Manchester United's worst start to the English league season in 51 years, Rúben Amorim stated that he will maintain his playing philosophy, even in the face of criticism, and jokingly added that "not even the Pope" would make him change.

The Portuguese coach has faced significant scrutiny since the defeat in the Europa League final 24/25 against Tottenham and the poor start to the current season, which included an embarrassing elimination in the League Cup against Grimsby Town, from the fourth division.

Besides the EFL Cup exit, United has only secured four points in four Premier League games, including a 3-0 thrashing in the derby against Manchester City, which increased the heat at Old Trafford.

Amorim, however, said he received assurances of support from co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, with whom he met last Thursday in Carrington.

"It was a normal meeting, just to show support and reinforce that this is a long-term project. We talked several times, with him, with Omar (Berrada, CEO) and Jason (Wilcox, director of football), analyzing data about the team. Nothing more than that," the coach said in a press conference.

Rúben Amorim also assured that he had no contact with Benfica before the hiring of José Mourinho this week and emphasized that his focus is to succeed in England.

And United will have some new faces to try to turn the situation around this Saturday (20) against Chelsea, with the returns of Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, recovered from injury.

Asked if he would consider changing his philosophy after the poor results, Amorim was categorical:

"When I think I should change, I will. Otherwise, they'll have to change the coach. Not even the Pope would make me change. This is my job, my responsibility, my life. Of course, the system can evolve, but the philosophy is mine," he stated.

Amorim also commented on Alejandro Garnacho's departure to Chelsea for 40 million pounds and downplayed any possible revenge from the Argentine on his return to Old Trafford:

"I'm not worried about that. I just want to win games. It doesn't matter who is on the other side, nor what they will say in the end. My only concern is winning," he added.

Besides Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund, who were transferred in the European summer window, were also mentioned, but the coach preferred to highlight the progress of the players at their new clubs.

"I'm happy for Rasmus too, who has already scored for Napoli. It's normal for good players to shine," he said.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

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