🔗 Share this article The moment is optimal to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists. Man Utd skipper Bruno Fernandes was one of seven first-team players absent from the holiday period win against Newcastle. Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him. In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders. He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign. While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan. However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism. "At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said. "We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up. "The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans. "Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager. "When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve. "This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match." Availability Crisis Loom Large With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form. He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers. That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem. "Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that." The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input. "The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain. "There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see. "I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader." Return Schedule for Injured Players While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
Man Utd skipper Bruno Fernandes was one of seven first-team players absent from the holiday period win against Newcastle. Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him. In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders. He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign. While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan. However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism. "At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said. "We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up. "The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans. "Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager. "When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve. "This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match." Availability Crisis Loom Large With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form. He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers. That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem. "Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that." The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input. "The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain. "There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see. "I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader." Return Schedule for Injured Players While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.