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Amorim switched from a back three with wing-backs for the first time in United’s win over Newcastle, opting instead for a traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Ruben Amorim. (AP Photo)
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim emphasized the importance of establishing a formation at Old Trafford before asking his squad to show tactical flexibility, as he noted that giving in to media pressure would have sent out the wrong message.
Amorim switched from a back three with wing-backs for the first time in United’s win over Newcastle, opting instead for a traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
The Portuguese manager once famously stated that not even the Pope could make him change his system. However, with United now just three points away from a Champions League spot, Amorim insisted he was never as stubborn as he might have seemed.
“When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don’t have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process,” he said ahead of Tuesday’s match against relegation-threatened Wolves at Old Trafford.
“We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We don’t have a lot of players, and we need to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.”
“When the media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I’m changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
“When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
“We are going to become a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time.”
Manchester United advanced to sixth place in the English Premier League with a victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Saturday, courtesy of a decisive goal from Patrick Dorgu.
Despite missing eight players for the match against the Magpies, United maintained the lead established by Dorgu’s stunning 24th-minute strike, a well-executed left-foot volley that found the back of the net past Newcastle’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
This win raised United’s points total for the season to 29, keeping them behind fifth-placed Chelsea only on goal difference after the Blues’ defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Arsenal retained their position at the top of the table following a 2-1 victory over Brighton at the Emirates, despite second-placed Manchester City’s 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest.
Aston Villa stayed in third place due to their win over Chelsea, marking their eleventh consecutive victory and their 17th win in the last 19 games after a slow start to the season. Liverpool climbed to fourth place with a 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield.
“Bruno is already saying he needs to train,” said Amorim.
“But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that.”
“The guy is a leader. He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he’s not talking and speaking. He’s always speaking. That’s why he’s the captain,” the 40-year-old added.
United Kingdom (UK)
December 29, 2025, 20:51 IST
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