🔗 Share this article Time is ripe to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was one of multiple senior players absent from the Boxing Day win against Newcastle United. Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him. In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders. Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign. While he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision. Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism. "When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said. "We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing. "The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful. "When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach. "When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve. "We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time." Injury Crisis Loom Large Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well. He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers. That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem. "Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive." Fernandes' Leadership Endures Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance. "The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain. "There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe 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 born leader. The guy is a true captain." Recovery Timeline for Injured Players While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was one of multiple senior players absent from the Boxing Day win against Newcastle United. Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him. In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders. Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign. While he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision. Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism. "When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said. "We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing. "The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful. "When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach. "When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve. "We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time." Injury Crisis Loom Large Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well. He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers. That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem. "Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive." Fernandes' Leadership Endures Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game. Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance. "The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain. "There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe 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 born leader. The guy is a true captain." Recovery Timeline for Injured Players While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.