‘I cannot change because of you’: Man United boss Amorim says early formation change would have meant ‘succumbing to media pressure’

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim. (FILE photo)

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, who played a back four for the first time after taking over the reins from Erik ten Hag during the Boxing Day Premier League match against Newcastle United, said he abstained from changing formation earlier to ensure his players did not feel he was succumbing to media pressure.

United kept a clean sheet for the first time in the last 10 games and won the Newcastle game 1-0.

“But when you (journalists) talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand that I am changing because of you,” Amorim was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

Amorim has been clear in his stance, showing his unwillingness to change the formation of the side despite some poor results. He now believes his squad is ready to change because they understand his philosophy.

“When I came here last season, I understood that maybe I don’t have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of the process. We are trying to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We don’t have a lot of players [so] we need to adapt, but I already know that they understand why we are changing,” said Amorim ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League game against Wolves.

“It is not because of the pressure of you guys [journalists] or the fans. It is because now we understand the way we want to play and the principles are the same. We can change the system. I think we are going to become a better team because when all the players return we are not going to play all the time with three defenders. We are going to improve. That was something that I was talking about.

“But then when you [journalists] talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand that I am changing because of you. I think that is the end for the manager. When we are playing well in our system, I think that is the moment to change, if it is a better thing to win the next game. That is what we did (against Newcastle),” he added.