Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said not even the pope could make him deviate from playing with a back three despite mounting pressure following a dismal run, adding that abandoning his preferred formation would undermine him in his players' eyes.

Amorim took charge of United in November but guided them to just seven wins in 27 league matches and their worst-ever finish in the Premier League.

This season's start has also been far from convincing, with the Portuguese manager overseeing one win in four Premier League games and a shock League Cup exit to League Two (fourth-tier) side Grimsby.

He has used three centre backs throughout his tenure at United, despite the rest of the "Big Six" all opting to play a back four.

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