Ruben Amorim has explained his remarkable tactical U-turn, having abandoning his beloved 3-4-3 system for a back four in Manchester United’s 1-0 Boxing Day win over Newcastle – just months after declaring “not even the Pope” could persuade him to alter his approach.
The 40-year-old’s change of heart proved inspired, as Patrick Dorgu’s spectacular left-footed volley secured a 1-0 victory over Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Following September’s Manchester derby, Amorim had been emphatic about his formation: “No one (could make me change). Not even the Pope.
“This is my job. This is my responsibility. This is my life. So, I will not change that.”
Yet the Portuguese coach compromised those principles against the Magpies, with immediate reward.
Amorim fielded Diogo Dalot, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw across the defensive line, with Dorgu pushed forward into a right wing role.
Despite United managing just 33 per cent of possession, the manager insisted the tactical shift was necessary to pose a greater threat.
Ruben Amorim has explained his remarkable tactical U-turn, having abandoning his beloved 3-4-3 system for a back four in Manchester United’s 1-0 Boxing Day win over Newcastle – just months after declaring “not even the Pope” could persuade him to alter his approach
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“I think in the first half we showed it (the back four) was the only way to create more danger, was with a back four, with a lot of guys inside, even to keep the ball,” Amorim explained.
The United boss added that positioning Dorgu further up the pitch gave the Dane greater freedom, noting: “You put Dorgu in a position that is more in front where the responsibility is not the same, he has more freedom to lose the ball and I think it helped Patrick play better.”
Jack Fletcher, son of United legend Darren, was introduced in the second half with Mason Mount withdrawn.
Five things to know about Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim | GETTY/PA/REUTERS
The manager spoke warmly about the youngster’s opportunity, saying: “It is a very important moment for any kid, he’s (Fletcher’s) going to hear a lot from his father, Darren.
“He is really humble, works really hard and deserves this.”
Kobbie Mainoo missed the fixture with a calf injury that has kept him sidelined for United’s past two matches.
The midfielder has not started a single Premier League game this season and could depart when the January transfer window opens amid links to Napoli.
Amorim joked that the clean sheet and Mainoo’s injury meant there was little left to discuss at his press conference.
United kept a clean sheet for the first time in some while, having shipped 28 goals already this campaign amid persistent calls from pundits, supporters and former players for Amorim to ditch his preferred system.
Patriick Dorgu scored the only goal as Manchester United beat Newcastle 1-0 on Boxing Day
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The victory, achieved without captain Bruno Fernandes, lifted the Red Devils to fifth position in the Premier League standings, now level on points with Chelsea in fourth.
Amorim appeared content to wrap up proceedings swiftly, quipping: “Clean sheet, back four, Kobbie Mainoo is injured – we don’t need a press conference I think all the subjects… we can go home to enjoy Boxing Day, I think.”
United return to action on Tuesday when they host struggling Wolves at Old Trafford.
They won 4-1 at Molineux earlier this month – and a similar result would boost their chances of playing in the Champions League next term.
As for Newcastle, it was another frustrating day at the office.
Their campaign has been plagued by inconsistency and Eddie Howe, speaking afterwards, said his side only had themselves to blame for leaving empty-handed.
