🔗 Share this article Now is right to alter Man Utd's formation - the manager declares. Man Utd skipper Bruno Fernandes was one of seven first-team stars to miss the holiday period victory against Newcastle. Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him. Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders. By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign. Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan. However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise. "When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said. "Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes. "This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans. "Whenever media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager. "Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve. "This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time." Injury Crisis Persist With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form. He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves. That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury. "Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that." Fernandes' Role Remains Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 offering input. "He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain. "There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see. "I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader." Recovery Schedule for Injured Players Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
Man Utd skipper Bruno Fernandes was one of seven first-team stars to miss the holiday period victory against Newcastle. Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him. Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders. By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign. Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan. However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise. "When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said. "Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes. "This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans. "Whenever media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager. "Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve. "This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time." Injury Crisis Persist With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form. He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves. That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval. Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury. "Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that." Fernandes' Role Remains Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 offering input. "He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain. "There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see. "I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader." Recovery Schedule for Injured Players Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.