Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly held face-to-face talks with Ruben Amorim after flying into Carrington on Thursday amid growing pressure on the Portuguese coach. Though it's been reported the visit was long-planned, the Red Devils' poor form inevitably dominated discussions. United sit 14th in the Premier League and have already been dumped out of the Carabao Cup.

Ratcliffe flies in to Carrington for Amorim talks

have reported that Ratcliffe arrived at Carrington on Thursday by helicopter and spent part of the day meeting Amorim as well as other senior figures in the Manchester United hierarchy. Per the report, their dreadful start to the season meant results were high on the agenda, even if talks were pre-planned.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAmorim adamant to stick with 3-4-3

Amorim has overseen just one Premier League win in four games, alongside a humiliating Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town. United are already languishing in 14th after a huge summer spend, and Amorim’s 3-4-3 remains under the microscope. Amorim has been defiant in recent weeks, suggesting the board would need to sack him if they want a tactical change.

Players also unhappy with tactical system

Even with backing in the transfer market, Amorim's ideas are still failing to click nearly a year into his reign. It has been reported that the players themselves are not happy with the 3-4-3 system, with captain Bruno Fernandes, who is said to be close to the coach, also unhappy with the tactical set-up of the team. Nonetheless, Amorim is not going to back away from the faltering formation that helped him rise to fame at Sporting.

AFPAmorim faces massive must-win clash against Chelsea

Manchester United face Chelsea at Old Trafford in what has been deemed by some as a must-win game for Amorim on Saturday. Victory could ease some of the tension, but another defeat may push Ratcliffe closer to a decision. For now, the manager remains in charge, but his margin for error is shrinking fast.