2 hours ago
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Manchester buses have taken a dig at Ruben Amorim as he continues to struggle for success at Manchester United.
The Red Devils boss has overseen the club's worst start to a Premier League season in 33 years, having picked up four points from four games in the top flight and the only win coming via a last-minute goal at home to Burnley.
Amorim's side were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby, meaning they already have only the league and FA Cup to play for having failed to qualify for Europe.
It has led to uncertainty surrounding Amorim's future, with some fans starting to change their minds over whether he should be kept in the role amid frustrations over his inability to turn the club's form around.
Amorim has also been persistent that he wants to stick to his 3-4-3 formation, despite widespread calls for him to change to a four at the back system.
And Paddy Power have taken it upon themselves to poke fun at United and Amorim with a campaign that involves a bus and the mocking of the Portuguese.
A new Paddy Power gag has mocked Ruben Amorim's loyalty to the 3-4-3 formation he is employing at Manchester United
Amorim has said he will not be changing his philosophy despite its limited success to date
The betting firm have plastered a light-hearted message on the side of a Manchester bus that reads: 'THE ONLY 343 THAT WORKS IN MANCHESTER.'
It targets the 343 route in Manchester, which normally runs the Oldham to Hyde route. It was also spotted around Old Trafford and in the city centre this week.
A Paddy Power spokesperson said: 'Times are tough up in Manchester. Some things clearly aren't working, but we think it's only fair to credit those who are getting the job done. Sadly, for United fans, it looks like they'll have to ride it out when it comes to the 343 situation.'
The 3-4-3 continues to struggle, but Amorim has insisted he will be sacked before he changes his philosophy.
'I am not going to change,' he said after the Manchester derby defeat by rivals Manchester City. 'When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.
'Losing faith in your ability to turn the situation around? No, that is not the way. I believe in my way and I am going to play my way until I want to change.
'My message (to the fans) is that I am going to give everything, always thinking about what is best for the club. The rest is not my decision. Until I am here, I will do my best. I really want to win games.'
Pundits and fans alike, though, have questioned it. Former United captain Roy Keane, for example, said on Sky Sports last week: 'You talk about the system but the manager is sticking to his guns, he is not budging. My worry is that maybe the players haven't got that much faith in it.
There have been concerns raised over the system that sees three centre backs play
'As much as the manager is saying "this is where we are going", as the results don't come and you are getting beaten by the better teams, he is making loads of changes and it is like they are going round in circles.
'We were told the manager needed a pre-season, his own players and they have spent over £200m, so we keep making excuses. When are we going to see signs?'
United are next in action on Saturday evening when they take on Chelsea in the Premier League.
They are currently 14th in the standings after finishing 15th last season.
