🔗 Share this article Now is right to switch Manchester United's system - the manager declares. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was among seven senior stars absent from the Boxing Day win against Newcastle United. Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him. In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders. By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season. Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan. Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure. "At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated. "We were trying to build an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up. "The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters. "When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager. "Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve. "We will become a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three all the time." Squad Challenges Continue With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well. He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers. That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem. "Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that." The Captain's Leadership Remains Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight. "He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain. "He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed. "I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader." Recovery Schedule for Injured Players While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars 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 international duty.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was among seven senior stars absent from the Boxing Day win against Newcastle United. Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him. In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders. By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season. Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan. Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure. "At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated. "We were trying to build an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up. "The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters. "When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager. "Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve. "We will become a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three all the time." Squad Challenges Continue With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well. He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers. That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem. "Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that." The Captain's Leadership Remains Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight. "He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain. "He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed. "I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader." Recovery Schedule for Injured Players While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars 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 international duty.