Best Time To Change Formation Is Now, Says Amorim

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed that it is the right time to change the team’s formation ahead of their Premier League clash against Wolves.

Amorim opted for a change of formation in the 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Friday, fielding a back four with two holding midfielders.

The Portuguese manager had always deployed a 3-4-3 formation with three defenders, and two wing backs while also rejecting insinuations from fans and the media to change the formation.

He has now revealed that he changed the formation because the team was now doing well compared to last season.

Amorim said: “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.

“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. 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.

“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 also confirmed that Bruno Fernandes is inching closer to a return to action but he is out of the clash against Wolves.

He said: “Bruno is already saying he needs to train. 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.

“He has bad things sometimes – the way he moves his arms – but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers after games, or even after treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There is a lot of things you don’t see.

“I don’t know if he wants my job or not, but he’s a leader. The guy is a leader.”

Mason Mount is doubtful for the encounter on Tuesday while Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs De Ligt, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes are out.

The Red Devils are leveled on the same points with fourth placed Chelsea with 29 points from 18 matches.