Dissension is reportedly brewing in the Man Utd locker room. Almost a year after Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag, many players are still struggling to adapt to his 3-4-2-1 formation.

Even team captain Bruno Fernandes, once Amorim's biggest ally, is said to be unhappy playing in a deeper role to accommodate new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. "Bruno is a brilliant player and a regular goal scorer. But in his current role, he can't reach his full potential," former striker Wayne Rooney commented on BBC Sport.

De Ligt (left) challenges Doku during Man Utd's loss to Man City at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK, 14/9/2025. Photo: *Reuters*

Rooney said he and other former Man Utd players watched the Manchester derby together in South Korea during a legends match. "We watched and couldn't understand how Man Utd were playing," the former Man Utd captain added. "There's no clear system, no visible progress. To be honest, things are worse than when Ten Hag was sacked."

Amorim's system differs significantly from the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations common in the Premier League. Former defender Gary Neville pointed out that Man Utd's center-backs in the 3-4-2-1 still seem unsure when to press and when to cover, leaving the five-man defense exposed.

Statistics highlight the "Red Devils'" predicament. Amorim has won only 8 of 31 Premier League matches. This season, Man Utd have earned just 4 points from 4 games, their worst start in 33 years. Amorim's win rate, at 36.2%, is the lowest for a Man Utd manager since World War II.

Inside sources deny that Amorim has lost the dressing room, but admit players are struggling with the system after almost a year. Some believe the two-man central midfield leaves them frequently overrun.

The team's largest individual shareholder, Jim Ratcliffe, attended the Man City defeat and remains committed to giving Amorim more time. However, pressure is mounting, especially with the team's form described by Rooney as "relegation-worthy."

Compiled by Hoang An