Man Utd manager Amorim states its time to switch tactics

Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim stressed the need to first implement a core setup at Old Trafford before expecting his team to show tactical adaptability, noting that yielding to press scrutiny would spell disaster for his tenure.

For the first time, Amorim moved away from a three-defender line with wing-backs in Fridays 1-0 victory against Newcastle, opting instead for a standard four-man defence paired with two defensive midfielders.

The Portuguese coach famously declared in the past that even the Pope could not make him alter his approach.

Yet Amorim, with United now only three points from securing a Champions League spot, maintained that he was never as rigid as it seemed.

"Upon arriving here last season, I realised we might lack the ideal personnel to excel in that setup, but it marked the start of our journey," he explained before Tuesdays clash with struggling Wolves at Old Trafford.

"We aimed to forge a clear identity. Now things have shifted. With limited options in the squad, adaptation is key, helping them grasp the reasons for our adjustments."

The 40-year-old ex-Sporting Lisbon head added: "If you lot in the media keep pushing for a system switch, I cannot cave in, or the players will think Im bending due to your pressure, and that would be curtains for me as boss.

"The right time to evolve is when were succeeding in our preferred style.

"This will make us stronger overall, especially once the full roster is available, without sticking to three at the back every match."

Before the Newcastle triumph, United had managed just two victories in their previous eight outings and will be missing seven key squad members against rock-bottom Wolves, who remain winless after 18 Premier League games this term.

Team skipper Bruno Fernandes will sit out the Wolves encounter, even though he informed his coach of his eagerness to resume playing after a hamstring issue sustained in the December 21 loss to Aston Villa.

"Bruno is already insisting he requires training sessions," Amorim noted.

"But playing Wolves is out of the question. Absolutely not. Feel free to report that."

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old creative force will continue to impact proceedings.

"Hes a true leader," Amorim remarked. "He cant switch off just because hes sidelined, staying silent. Hes constantly vocal. Thats what makes him our captain."