ok, heres the fallout. chris wheeler, uniteds number 1 itk/mouthpiece

INEOS are backing Ruben Amorim for now, but players are losing confidence in his system amid a growing crisis at Old Trafford.

Amorim insisted in the wake of a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in Sunday's Etihad derby that he would rather be sacked than change his philosophy.

The Portuguese coach retains the support of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club's hierarchy, but he is in danger of losing a section of the dressing-room over his refusal to compromise.

It's understood some players have never been comfortable with a 3-4-2-1 system that was introduced when Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag in mid-season last November.

United hoped that giving the 40-year-old a full pre-season to work with the squad, and £236million for new signings to fit his system, would see an upturn in results after the club's worst campaign in more than half a century.

However, United have made their worst start to a season in 33 years after taking just four points from their opening four Premier League games and crashing out of the Carabao Cup to League Two underdogs Grimsby Town.

The players are still struggling to get to grips with Amorim's style almost 11 months after he took over, and even one of his staunchest allies, captain Bruno Fernandes, is believed to be unhappy operating in a deeper midfield role.

United sources say it would be wrong to suggest that Amorim has lost the dressing-room, and insist he still has support among the squad.