Why Ruben Amorim feels time is right to change Manchester United formation: 'It is not because of media pressure'

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim finally departed from a back three formation for the first time and the change seemed to work as the Red Devils beat Newcastle 1-0 in the Premier League. Amorim has now made it clear that it was not because of the pressure from media that he changed things but because the time was now “right” to do so.

Amorim fielded a conventional back four with two holding midfielders in Friday’s outing against Newcastle and United returned with only their second clean sheet of the season. He said that he could only make these changes when his side were doing well.

Amorim says things have changed since he joined United

Amorim said he did not have the players to play well in the “system” he wanted when he came to Old Trafford. However, now, he says “is a different moment”.

“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. “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.”

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Amorim had famously once said that even the Pope could not force him to change his methods.

Changes not because of media, Amorim says

He also clarified that he could not succumb to pressure from media or fans because that could spell an end to his managerial career at United.

“It is not because of the pressure of you guys (media), or the fans. When you (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,” he said.

“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,” Amorim added.

United are currently without Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, who are on national duties in the Africa Cup of Nations. Bruno Fernandes had to also sit out of the Newcastle clash due to injury.

Amorim also said that Fernandes will miss their next game which is at home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers as they remain just three points away from the Champions League qualification zone.