Stuck Man United: Why Amorim won't change even at home to Sunderland

Manchester United are set to clash with Sunderland in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Red Devils have endured a nightmare start to the 2025–26 season, managing just seven points from their opening six league fixtures.

Pressure is mounting on manager Ruben Amorim, who could face the axe if his side fail to deliver a win this weekend.

Fans and pundits alike are urging him to switch from his preferred 3-4-2-1 to a 4-2-3-1 formation, which could better suit the current crop of United players.

However, all signs suggest Amorim will stick stubbornly to his footballing philosophy.

When United found themselves 2-0 down at Grimsby Town, Amorim deployed Mason Mount as a left wing-back, a role far removed from the attacking midfielder position where he has made his name.

Mount thrives around the penalty area, crafting chances and testing goalkeepers, yet he was asked to patrol the wide areas and deliver crosses instead.

Amorim considers his system his baby and seems absolutely rigid in his pursuit of success with a certain style of play.

The head coach has repeatedly criticised his players for inconsistent energy levels between training sessions and matchdays.

It is his responsibility to help them channel that intensity effectively on the pitch.

With nearly 11 months in charge, Amorim should have a clear understanding of what has prevented players from replicating training standards during games.

His frustration could be mirrored to Erik ten Hag’s tail end of his reign at United.

The Dutchman targeted players for not following his instructions and was adamant about his team selections.

Despite Amad Diallo impressing in limited opportunities, Ten Hag stuck with Antony to try to salvage the winger’s career.

Amorim appears to be doing something similar with Kobbie Mainoo.

The 20-year-old midfielder is more talented than Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, but he has still not started a league match this season.

Senne Lammens was signed on transfer deadline day this summer.

He recorded better statistics than Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir last term.

Yet, he has been warming the bench for two weeks now.

The clash with Sunderland could be a fantastic opportunity for Lammens, but it is highly unlikely that the manager will select him ahead of Bayindir.

Leny Yoro and Casemiro could return to the XI at the expense of Maguire and Ugarte.

Amorim must make key tactical and personnel adjustments ahead of the Sunderland game, but he seems adamant about fighting and dying by his sword.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .