Ruben Amorim has endured a nightmare start at Old Trafford, which went from bad to worse on Sunday.
Manchester United crashed out of the FA Cup with a penalty shootout defeat to Fulham, adding to an already miserable season.
The Red Devils sit 14th in the Premier League table, with Amorim failing to transform their fortunes since replacing Erik ten Hag in November.
Despite his struggles, former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has urged the club to stick with him.
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Speaking on talkSPORT’s The LineUp, the Croatian backed the Portuguese coach to succeed in English football.
He pointed to Amorim’s two league titles with Sporting Lisbon as proof of his credentials.
When asked if the United boss could turn things around, Bilic was firm in his response.
“I told you before, he proved himself,” he said.
“He’s new in the Premier League, but Ruben Amorim did a job [at Sporting].
“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.”
Slaven Bilic questions Ruben Amorim’s stubborness
Despite his backing, Bilic questioned Amorim’s refusal to adapt his playing style.
The United boss has been widely criticised for persisting with his 3-4-2-1 formation, which relies on attacking wing-backs.
With his squad struggling to adjust, Bilic admitted it makes no sense to stick with the system.
“I mean, what’s the point?” he said.
“I defend every manager, but if you don’t have wing-backs then why [play that way]?”
He highlighted United’s long history of playing with full-backs and wingers.
“Man United never played with three at the back,” he continued.
“They have always played with good full-backs and good wingers. Always.
“But now, if you don’t have the players, then what’s the point?”
Bilic then turned his attention to the club’s board.
He questioned why they appointed a manager whose tactical philosophy differs so greatly from United’s traditional approach.
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Bilic made it clear where he felt the blame should be placed.
“Whose fault is that?” he asked.
“Now when you appoint [Ruben] 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!”
Bilic did, however, defend Amorim’s belief in his system.
He argued that the Portuguese coach has every right to stick with what has brought him success.
“When you are good at something and you believe in something [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’.”
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