Overview
- Manchester United shifted from a back three to a 4-2-3-1 in the win over Newcastle, delivering a clean sheet and a 1-0 result.
- Ruben Amorim says he resisted altering the system earlier because doing so under external pressure would have undermined his authority with players.
- The manager confirmed seven senior absences for Tuesday's match against Wolves, with captain Bruno Fernandes out with a hamstring injury.
- Other absentees include Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire through injury, with Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
- Amorim frames the switch as part of a broader identity-building process, noting the team had only two wins in eight before Newcastle and that the system will remain flexible as players return.