🔗 Share this article Time is ripe to switch Man Utd's system - Amorim states. Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes was one of seven first-team stars to miss the Boxing Day triumph against Newcastle United. Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him. In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders. By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season. Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision. Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism. "When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated. "Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up. "The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters. "When you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager. "Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve. "We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively." Availability Crisis Loom Large With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well. He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves. That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal 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 understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem. "Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that." Fernandes' Influence Remains However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input. "He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain. "He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed. "I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain." Recovery Schedule for Key Players While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes was one of seven first-team stars to miss the Boxing Day triumph against Newcastle United. Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him. In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders. By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season. Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision. Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism. "When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated. "Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up. "The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters. "When you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager. "Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve. "We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively." Availability Crisis Loom Large With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well. He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves. That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal 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 understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem. "Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that." Fernandes' Influence Remains However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input. "He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain. "He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed. "I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain." Recovery Schedule for Key Players While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.