Ruben Amorim reveals why he lastly modified Man United’s formation – and jokes he can take pleasure in Boxing Day without having to speak about ‘clear sheet, again 4 or Kobbie Mainoo’

Ruben Amorim has revealed he opted to change to a back four to cause Newcastle ‘more danger’ after Manchester United secured all three points on Boxing Day. 

Despite only having 33 per cent possession at Old Trafford, the Portuguese’s side overcame the travelling Magpies thanks to a stunning left-footed volley from Patrick Dorgu in the first half. 

The Dane was deployed as a right winger in United’s new-found system, which saw Amorim at last compromise on his principles and play a back four of Diogo Dalot, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw. 

‘I think we spent a lot of time with each other, had low moments, that can sometimes bring good things to the group, experienced players helped the kids,’ the United boss said post-match.

‘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. I remember from the game last year, we lost 1 vs 1 outside so we just tried to imagine the game of the players to feel comfortable.

‘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. Ugarte also had a very good day today.’  

Ruben Amorim has opened up on his decision to play a back four in United’s 1-0 win over Newcastle

The Red Devils secured all three points thanks to a stunning volley from Patrick Dorgu

Amorim also opened up on his decision to bring on Jack Fletcher, son of Darren, before making a subtle joke about Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo has been absent from United’s last two games with a calf injury and, with the January transfer window on the horizon, could be out the door next month. He’s yet to start a single Premier League game this campaign.

‘It is a very important moment for any kid, he’s (Fletcher’s) going to here a lot from his father, Darren. 

‘He is really humble, works really hard and deserves this. We have a squad and we tried to choose the best players to play. I understand the history of the club and want to be part of that (playing youngsters), but sometimes you just need to choose the best players to win.

‘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.’

The United boss’s decision to change his preferred 3-4-3 formation comes just a couple of months after he claimed ‘not even the Pope’ could make him alter his methods. 

Amorim had been urged to switch to a back four by pundits, fans and former players amid his side’s leaking defence which has seen them concede some 28 goals already this term. 

Speaking after the Manchester derby back in September, Amorim said: ‘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.’

Tonight’s victory, in the absence of Bruno Fernandes, sees United move up to fifth in the table, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.

The Reds are next in action on Tuesday against Premier League strugglers Wolves at Old Trafford.