🔗 Share this article The moment is right to switch Manchester United's formation - the manager declares. Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes was one of multiple first-team stars to miss the holiday period win against Newcastle United. Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him. In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders. By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign. While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision. However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure. "At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said. "The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing. "It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans. "When media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager. "When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve. "This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match." Squad Challenges Continue With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well. He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves. That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time. Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem. "Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that." The Captain's Role Is Unwavering However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input. "He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain. "He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see. "I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain." Recovery Timeline for Key Players Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes was one of multiple first-team stars to miss the holiday period win against Newcastle United. Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him. In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders. By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign. While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision. However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure. "At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said. "The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing. "It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans. "When media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager. "When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve. "This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match." Squad Challenges Continue With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well. He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves. That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time. Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem. "Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that." The Captain's Role Is Unwavering However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input. "He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain. "He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see. "I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain." Recovery Timeline for Key Players Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.