Slaven Bilic has backed Ruben Amorim to turn things around at Manchester United, despite criticising the club’s board for his appointment.
The 40-year-old’s nightmare start at Old Trafford went from bad to worse on Sunday, as the Red Devils crashed out of the FA Cup with defeat to Fulham on penalties.
GettyRuben Amorim has lost nine out of 24 games in charge of Man United[/caption]
Amorim‘s latest disappointment comes with his side languishing in 14th in the Premier League table, having failed to transform United‘s fortunes since taking over from Erik ten Hag in November.
Despite his continued struggles however, former West Ham manager Bilic has urged the club to stick with the Portuguese coach.
Appearing on talkSPORT’s ‘The LineUp‘, the Croatian insisted Amorim has the required pedigree to succeed in English football, pointing to his two league titles with previous club Sporting Lisbon.
When asked if he felt Amorim could turn things around, Bilic replied: “I told you before, he proved himself.
“He’s new in the Premier League, but Ruben Amorim did a job [at Sporting], and he didn’t win one title in one year and then maybe you were lucky, or Benfica and Porto had a year off.
“No, he did it twice in three years, so it can’t be luck. You need luck, but it can’t only be luck. So give him time, he’s gonna do it.
“But now at the moment, he’s struggling.”
Despite backing Amorim, Bilic questioned the coach’s refusal to adapt his playing style.
The United boss has been widely criticised for persisting with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, which favours attacking wing-backs.
With his players clearly struggling to get to grips with the system, Bilic admitted it makes no sense for Amorim to continue this way when he does not currently have the right personnel.
GettyAmad Diallo, Diogo Dlaot and Noussair Mazraoui have all featured at wing-back in Ruben Amorim’s system[/caption]
GettySlaven Bilic has previously managed in England at West Ham, West Brom and Watford[/caption]
The 56-year-old argued: “I mean what’s the point?
“I defend every manager, but if you don’t have wing backs then why [play that way]?”
He continued: “When I watch Man United, Man United never played with three at the back. They have always played with good fullbacks and good wingers. Always.
“But now, if you don’t have the players, then what’s the point?”
Bilic then suggested the club’s board are to blame for their tactical struggles, as he questioned their decision to appoint Amorim given his vastly different preferred style.
The ex- Croatia boss then highlighted Liverpool‘s selection of Arne Slot following Jurgen Klopp’s departure in contrast to that of Amorim’s.
Credit: talkSPORTBilic questioned both Amorim’s tactics and Man United’s decision to appoint him in light of this[/caption]
After panellists Tony Bellew and Expressions criticised Amorim’s failure to adapt, he replied: “Whose fault is that?
“Liverpool – Klopp is going, then the people who are making decisions at Liverpool said: ‘Who are we going to appoint? Who is a good solution for us? Who plays similar to Liverpool’s style, to Anfield, to Klopp? Arne Slot is a guy in Feyenoord who is very similar’.
“Now when you appoint Amorim, you know how Amorim is going to play.
“So it’s not his fault, it’s the fault of the people who appointed him. They knew he plays with wing backs!”
Despite questioning the Old Trafford board, Bilic defended Amorim’s decision to persist with his system, pointing out the success it has brought him in the past.
“When you are good at something and you believe in something and you [think]: ‘That’s me, that’s how I play. I did well with Sporting, that’s what brought me to Manchester United, why should I change it?’
“And you believe in that and it doesn’t start well, you lose one, [you think]: ‘Okay next one, we’re going to win’.”
