🔗 Share this article The moment is right to change Manchester United's system - the manager declares. Man Utd skipper Bruno Fernandes was one of multiple senior stars to miss the Boxing Day win against Newcastle United. Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him. Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders. Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign. Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan. Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure. "When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated. "We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes. "The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful. "When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach. "Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt. "This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively." Squad Issues Continue With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form. He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers. That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury. "Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that." Fernandes' Role Endures Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input. "The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper. "He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see. "I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader." Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
Man Utd skipper Bruno Fernandes was one of multiple senior stars to miss the Boxing Day win against Newcastle United. Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him. Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders. Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign. Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan. Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure. "When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated. "We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes. "The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful. "When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach. "Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt. "This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively." Squad Issues Continue With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form. He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers. That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury. "Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that." Fernandes' Role Endures Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input. "The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper. "He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see. "I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader." Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.