By James Goldman

Copyright metro

Ruben Amorim is under mounting pressure once against at Manchester United (Credits: IMAGO/Conor Molloy / Avalon)

Manchester United have no immediate plans to sack Ruben Amorim in the wake of Sunday’s derby defeat.

The Portuguese, who is coming up to a year in charge following the departure of Erik ten Hag, has now presided over the club’s worst start to a season in 33 years.

United were again exposed as they slumped to a 3-0 defeat in Sunday’s derby against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The loss leaves them with just four points from their opening four Premier League games and, after last season’s 15th-placed finish, the Portuguese remains under considerable pressure to deliver.

Amorim has won just eight league games as United boss and has refused to vary his tactical approach, regardless of results, since arriving at Old Trafford last November.

Despite the mounting problems, United will not be pressured into sacking yet another manager although, according to the MEN, one source close to Amorim admits it is ‘incredible that his position is not under genuine threat’.

Despite continuing to employ a system that shows little sign of working or suiting the players he has at his disposal, Amorim remains wedded to his 3-4-3 formation.

Metro at the Match: Man City 3-0 Man Utd

Metro at the Match returns to bring you all the analysis from the biggest games of the season.
Here are our team’s key takeaways from Manchester City’s dominant 3-0 win over Manchester United at the Etihad.
There were mistakes, but this was not an entirely abject performance from Manchester United and, as Bernardo Silva noted at half-time, they appear to have improved on last season. That has to be a good thing, but it may be a bleak realisation for Red Devils fans that even an improved United are still a long, long way behind a City not even at their peak. – Phil Haigh, sports reporter.
I just do not understand Amorim’s system. If you’re playing with wing-backs you have to use the width and it seems like he consistently instructs his centre-backs and goalkeeper to pass into the centre. It just makes no sense. – Alex Moneypenny

@metrosportuk
The Red Devils really don’t look in good shape 😬 Manchester City destroyed Manchester United in the first Manchester derby of the Premier League season, and it’s caused lots more questions for United manager Ruben Amorim. But City are starting to look more like title contenders after a tough couple of results. @diffknock @alexmoneypenny #manchesterunited #mancity #premierleague #amorim #metroatthematch
♬ original sound – Metro Sport – Metro Sport

Altay Bayindir needs replacing quickly. He looks suspect with the ball at his feet, left a lot of the goal gaping for Foden to head home the opener and does not inspire any confidence. Clearly not a top level goalkeeper, but is unproven new signing Senne Lammens the answer? – Phil Haigh, sports reporter.
I thought Jeremy Doku had a fantastic game, his feet, his close control is excellent. Drifting into pockets and getting two assists. – Alex Moneypenny
While Bayindir struggles to convince at one end, Gianluigi Donnarumma quickly made his presence felt at the other. The giant Italian may not have loads to do in an average Manchester City game, but will need to be alert when called upon. That’s what happened here, pulling off a stunning save from a Bryan Mbeumo volley in the second half. Another world class addition to the City squad. – Phil Haigh, sports reporter.

‘It is not a record we should have at Manchester United,’ Amorim said in his post-match press conference. “I accept that but I am not going to change.

‘When I want to change my philosophy I will change but, if not, you have to change the man.

‘We will talk about that every game we lose. I have played my way and I am going to play my way until I want to change.’

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

When it was pointed out fans could lose faith in him, Amorim insisted he was feeling the disappointment more than them.

He said: ‘I understand. That is normal (with) the results. I accept that but I don’t see it that way.

‘I see we are doing better but the results don’t show that.

‘My message (to fans) is I will do everything. I am always thinking about what is best for the club.

‘It is always the same message and the rest is not my decision. (As long as) I am here I will do my best.

‘I really want to win games. I am suffering more than them.’