RUBEN AMORIM will not change his Manchester United tactics — even if the Pope asks him to.
The Red Devils boss had a meeting with part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe this week after overseeing the club’s worst start to a Prem season since 1992.
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Amorim has come under fire from some critics for refusing to rethink his 3-4-3 system.
But ahead of Saturday’s Old Trafford clash with Chelsea, he is confident he still has the backing of Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox after a scheduled meeting on Thursday.
Asked if the hierarchy suggested he should reconsider his tactics, he said: “No, no, no. No one. Not even the Pope will change it. This is my job. This is my responsibility. This is my life. So, I will not change that.”
Amorim joked of his chat with Ineos magnate Ratcliffe: “He offered me a new contract!
“No, it was a normal thing to show the support — he explained it’s a long project, which he has said many times. We spoke about normal things with Omar, Jason and him.”
Amorim insists his way of playing will eventually evolve — but it will come over time as shaking things up now would send the wrong message.
He said: “There will be an evolution, but we need to make all the good steps. If I change in this moment, they will look at me in a different way.
“I’m doing things my way. Some guys do it in a different way, but it will change. So, I hope to have the time to change.”
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United have taken just four points from their opening four league games and crashed out of the Carabao Cup at League Two Grimsby.
So Amorim understands why people felt the meeting could be significant, adding: “At this moment, it’s normal for you to pay attention to that.
“This is the football club with more pressure than maybe any other in the world — and we want to win.”
Earlier this week, he was linked with a return to Benfica — where he played — before Jose Mourinho was appointed.
He insists there was no contact — and admitted when his time at Old Trafford does end, he will need a breather.
Amorim said: “No contact. I’m Manchester United manager. Until something changes, and after that — if it’s next month, tomorrow, in ten years — I will rest because I deserve it.
“So, no contact. And then Mourinho is there, so guys, if you want, you will have fun.”
The Prem clash with world club champs Chelsea will see winger Alejandro Garnacho return to the club just 21 days after he was sold.
Rashford and Hojlund progress
The past few days have already seen Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund score their first goals for their new clubs.
Amorim will be praying Argentine Garnacho — who made a £40million switch to Stamford Bridge just before the transfer deadline — will not do the same.
Asked about Rashford’s midweek double for Barcelona at Newcastle, Amorim, 40, smiled: “And Rasmus scoring his first goal for Napoli. I’m really happy for Rasmus also.”
Amorim refused to confirm if Altay Bayindir will keep his place in goal ahead of deadline-day £18.2m signing Senne Lammens.
He said: “Everyone has to fight. I’m just trying to win games. Trying to see what is the best option to win the next game.
“So, in the end of the season, maybe it’s a different team on the pitch.
“We are trying [to] get the best connections to play better and win points.”
