🔗 Share this article Time is right to switch Man Utd's formation - Amorim states. Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes was among seven first-team stars absent from the Boxing Day victory against Newcastle United. Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him. In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders. By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign. Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision. Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure. "When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented. "Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing. "This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful. "When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach. "Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt. "This will help us become a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match." Availability Crisis Persist Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well. He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers. That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem. "Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that." The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance. "The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper. "There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see. "I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain." Recovery Timeline for Injured Players Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes was among seven first-team stars absent from the Boxing Day victory against Newcastle United. Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him. In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders. By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign. Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision. Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure. "When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented. "Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing. "This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful. "When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach. "Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt. "This will help us become a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match." Availability Crisis Persist Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well. He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers. That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem. "Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that." The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance. "The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper. "There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see. "I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain." Recovery Timeline for Injured Players Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.