RUBEN AMORIM says he is a man open to change after all.
The Manchester United manager hinted he may not return to his favoured 3-4-3 system, even when all his players are available.
Amorim switched to a starting back four — for the first time since taking charge 13 months ago — in their 1-0 home win over Newcastle on Boxing Day.
And the Portuguese could stick with that formation against Wolves tomorrow.
Amorim once famously claimed ‘not even the Pope’ could persuade him to change systems.
But he made the tactical switch as seven players were absent against the Magpies — and United could miss up to eight stars for the visit of Wolves.
Newcastle beat United 2-0 at Old Trafford last season and hammered them 4-1 in the reverse fixture.
Amorim feared more of the same if he opted for his signature set-up — and vowed he will not be wedded to playing three at the back in future.
He said: “It’s a process. When I came here last season, I understood 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 and must adapt.
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“But they already understand why we are changing. It’s not because of pressure or the fans, it’s because now we understand the way we want to play and the principles are the same.
“We can change the system and are going to be a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to play all the time with three defenders.
“But when you [journalists] talk about changing the system, I cannot change as the players will understand I’m changing because of you — and that is the end for the manager.
“I’m just trying to improve. In all the mistakes I did last season, I am trying to learn to change things.”
Matthijs de Ligt (back), Harry Maguire (thigh), Bruno Fernandes (hamstring), Kobbie Mainoo (calf) and Africa Cup of Nations trio Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are all unavailable against Wolves.
Mason Mount could also miss out after he was substituted at half-time in the Newcastle clash.
Amorim also admitted he sometimes has to find “common ground” with Red Devils director of football Jason Wilcox on transfer targets.
United’s recruitment under Amorim has improved, with Mbeumo — a £65million arrival from Brentford — their six-goal Prem top scorer this season and £62.5m fellow summer recruit Matheus Cunha in fine form.
Keeper Senne Lammens is providing a much-needed calm presence, while winter-window recruits Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu were key in the Toon win. Dorgu, who joined for £29.4m, was the first data-led buy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s co-ownership.
Heaven, now 19, had barely played first-team football prior to joining from Arsenal for just £1.5m and Boxing Day was the centre-back’s fifth successive start.
United weighed up a move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who is heading to City, and are tracking numerous central midfielders.
Amorim’s predecessor Erik ten Hag wielded staggering influence in recruitment as the Red Devils signed nine players who had played in his Dutch homeland.
United now favour Prem-proven options, yet turned to Benjamin Sesko after first-choice striker target Liam Delap joined Chelsea, while Aston Villa refused to budge on Ollie Watkins.
Amorim also wanted Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez but United went for £18.2m Lammens.
On signings, Amorim added: “We are doing things.
“Sometimes I have one idea, Jason and the board has another, so we need to reach a common ground.
“That is important as you don’t need to make everything for the manager — as they can change and then you need to change everything.
“But you also need to understand that the manager understands the way of playing.”
