Amorim Reveals the Bold Tactical Gamble That Stunned Newcastle and Delivered Man Utd Victory
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim admitted his unexpected 4-2-3-1 formation was the optimal approach to create "greater threat" against Newcastle United on Friday.
Although the team warmed up using his typical 3-4-2-1 system, United kicked off with a four-defender setup for the first time under Amorim, who had previously declared that "not even the Pope" could persuade him to alter his tactical approach.
The gamble proved successful as United secured a 1–0 triumph highlighted by Patrick Dorgu's excellent display, who operated on the right flank of United's offensive line and, with Bruno Fernandes sidelined through injury, delivered the crucial moment with a spectacular volley during the first half.
"I believe we invested considerable time together, experienced difficult periods ... that can occasionally produce positive outcomes for the squad, veteran players supported the younger ones," Amorim commented post-match.
"I believe during the opening period we demonstrated the sole method to generate greater threat was through a four-man defense, with numerous players positioned centrally, even for ball retention. I recall from last season's encounter, we were beaten in individual duels wide, so we attempted to visualize the match allowing players to feel at ease.
"You position Dorgu in a more advanced role where the pressure differs, he enjoys greater liberty to surrender possession and I believe it enabled Patrick to perform better. [Manuel] Ugarte also delivered an excellent performance."
Amorim Explains Casemiro's Stunned Reaction to Substitution
It represented nearly contrasting halves for United, who appeared settled in their 4-2-3-1 before halftime but switched back to a three-defender system during the second period after midfielder Casemiro was removed at the sixty-minute mark.
Casemiro couldn't conceal his astonishment upon seeing his number displayed by the fourth official and continuously questioned Amorim about whether some error had occurred. This was a deliberate decision by the United manager, who had to observe his side hold firm during the closing stages as Newcastle's wastefulness helped secure a significant victory for the Red Devils.
"At that point I didn't want to remove [Matheus] Cunha because he's the sole player who can provide us relief and I deployed him as a No. 10," Amorim clarified.
"Jack [Fletcher] was energetic to carry on, Manu [Ugarte] was more refreshed than Casemiro, we took a risk because they were creating numerous corner opportunities and I sensed he would face difficulties at that stage."
United supporters now face a brief period to discover whether Amorim will persist with the new 4-2-3-1 approach or return to his controversial 3-4-2-1 formation. The Red Devils return to competition on Dec. 30 when they host bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.