The message "The only 343 that works in Manchester" was plastered on the number 343 bus route, which runs between Oldham and Hyde, appearing near both Old Trafford and the city center.
"Times are tough in Manchester. Some things clearly aren't working, but at least the 343 bus is delivering," a representative from the bookmaker Paddy Power said, according to the British newspaper Sportmail.
Paddy Power's bus with the message mocking Amorim's 3-4-3 formation. Image: Paddy Power
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A disappointed Ruben Amorim during Man Utd's 0-3 defeat to Man City at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK, in the 4th round of the Premier League on 14/9/2025. Photo: Reuters |
Amorim has persisted with the 3-4-3 system since succeeding Erik ten Hag, despite its lack of success. Last season, the Red Devils finished 15th, their worst Premier League finish, and lost to Tottenham in the Europa League final, missing out on European competition altogether.
Despite receiving over 214 million USD for summer signings, including Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, Amorim's team has had a disappointing start to the season. They have only one win in the first four Premier League matches and were eliminated from the League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby.
Under immense pressure, Amorim remains committed to his philosophy and the 3-4-3 system. "I accept the criticism, but I will not change. If the club wants a different style of play, they have to change the manager. I will follow my philosophy until I decide to change," the Portuguese manager said after a 0-3 loss to Man City.
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A disappointed Ruben Amorim during Man Utd's 0-3 defeat to Man City at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK, in the 4th round of the Premier League on 14/9/2025. Photo: Reuters
Man Utd's predicament was the main topic of discussion during co-owner Jim Ratcliffe's meeting at the Carrington training center on 19/9, before the match against Chelsea in the fifth round of the Premier League.
When asked if Ratcliffe had pressured him to change his tactics, Amorim insisted, "No. Nobody. Not even the Pope can make me change my formation. This is my job, my responsibility, my life. The players will look at me differently if a little outside pressure makes me change."
Former defender Gary Neville criticized Amorim for being too rigid with the 3-4-3 system, while Roy Keane argued that the three-defender formation is not suitable for Man Utd.
"The 3-4-3 system clearly hasn't given the players confidence. He talks a lot about philosophy, but the results aren't there, despite spending over 200 million USD. It's time to see some progress," Keane told Sky Sports.
Hong Duy
