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Ruben Amorim has stated emphatically that he not step down from his position in spite of the team's current difficulties, but he concedes that he could face the sack if performances fail to improve.

Current Challenges & League Position

Amorim has managed just thirty-four points across his 33 top-flight matches, and Manchester United currently sitting 14th in the table after a 15th-place result last season. The Red Devils have managed just two victories from the first seven fixtures this campaign, which includes a shock League Cup exit at Grimsby Town as well as last weekend's defeat against Brentford FC. This outcome prolonged the manager's search for his first consecutive Premier League wins since arriving nearly a year ago.

Up next, Sunderland will visit Old Trafford, where another defeat would increase the pressure facing the Portuguese coach.

The Manager's Stance Regarding Stepping Down

Questioned about whether he consider resigning, Amorim responded: “Absolutely not, that's a decision of the board. I won't take that step. At times I get that feeling because defeat is hard, failing to build the momentum. It’s deeply disappointing after you create that momentum, heading into the following match, things go wrong. That feeling often affects me a lot. Also the squad and especially the staff here. But it isn't my decision and I think it would be extremely difficult to leave if I haven't given everything to pursue my career at United.”

“It is a dream to be here and I wish to stay at the club and I want to fight for this. But the issue now that causes me suffer is losing matches, not the fear of losing my job. You worry about losing your job when you need to pay expenses and I don’t feel that pressure.”

Defending the 3-4-3 System

The 40-year-old additionally launched a spirited defense of the 3-4-3 formation, which has been the focus of much criticism. Amorim has used this setup consistently yet it has yet to deliver the consistency craved.

“No one at the club is foolish,” he commented. “We know that the team must win to advance our plans. We will get to a stage where it's untenable for everyone because United is a very big club with a lot of partners, under dual ownership. So it’s hard, the balance is really hard. What I want is for the side – in victory or defeat – playing consistently but we're failing to do that.”

He noted that the team used various formations under previous managers, also to no avail. “We need perform the same way, with the same power, with the same energy, with the same focus. If we do that, the system won't matter which setup we use.”

Plans Regarding Mid-Season Friendlies

Amorim announced plans to play lucrative mid-season friendlies in order to increase funds missed by not qualifying for European competition. “We must do it and we knew it after missing out on European football,” he said. “We owe it to our fans and our budget and we aim to be with our fans globally.”

Tribute to Synagogue Incident

Manchester United will observe a minute’s silence on Saturday with the squad sporting black armbands in tribute after the terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue on Thursday. Local rivals City will also pay respects during their Premier League and women's matches over the coming days.