Why Ruben Amorim must avoid ‘short-sighted’ approach with Manchester United to keep Champions League hopes alive

Patrick Dorgu’s first-half volley provided the solitary goal at Old Trafford, but it was the team’s resilience in the face of multiple absences that stood out.

Missing key figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire, the squad still delivered a composed and tactically disciplined performance.

Cole, however, was quick to praise Ruben Amorim’s adaptability, noting that the Portuguese manager has shown a clear ability to evolve his tactics under challenging circumstances.

It is that tactical acumen, rather than individual brilliance, that has been most impressive in turning around United’s season, but when asked if the hard-fought victory had altered his view of where Amorim’s side will finish, Cole told TNT Sports: “Not in particular.

“Amorim is slowly getting it, what the club is. I think it’s a very, very difficult job for him.

‘We put everything on the line’ – Amorim admits Man U suffered during win against Newcastle

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“I still don’t think they’ll be challenging for Champions League places. They’re not miles off it, but they’re off it at the moment.

“They’re up there, they’ve done well, but I think there are teams in and around them who will push them. Changing the system was interesting.”

That tactical change was indeed a shift from the norm under the Portuguese head coach. Indeed, it was the first time United had lined up with a back four since the last game before Amorim took charge in November 2024.

Prior to kick-off, his defence was seen going through drills positioned as a back three, but Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was forced into a tactical change within five minutes, having noticed how Amorim had bluffed during the warm-up.

TNT Sports pundit Joleon Lescott said on Amorim’s shift in system: “I don’t know if he sticks with it but it gives him the option to convert to and from a back three or a back four.

“He used the reason or the excuse of players going to AFCON as an opportunity to change it. Now, if he gets up and running with performances and results, he can change it where he sees fit, which I think he’s been reluctant to do in the past.”

Cole added: “I was concerned with how Amorim, among other managers, have said they’ve got a system. It’s been all about his system, but football’s a moving target.

“If you’ve got any manager that only plays one way or only does certain things, that’s short-sighted. Even Pep Guardiola, in the 10 years he’s been there at Man City, he’s changed, he’s evolved, he’s moved.

“I think for Amorim, it’s a positive thing for Manchester United that he’s changed it and it gives them another string to their bow.”

Ruben Amorim celebrated one of the most satisfying victories of his United tenure after his depleted side extended their remarkable Boxing Day record at Old Trafford.

United remain unbeaten on the day after Christmas at home since 1978, winning 16 of 19 matches, and Amorim was particularly pleased with his team’s resilience in the second half.

“Really pleased, especially if you see the second half,” he said. “We managed to defend sometimes with a back six and we suffered together.

“If we have always this spirit we are going to win so many games. I think it is something we need to feel. That we can win games with the spirit and togetherness.”

Dorgu, a natural left-back, was deployed as a makeshift right-winger and seized the opportunity to score his first goal for the club. Amorim acknowledged that the Denmark international had struggled for form in recent weeks but praised his performance against Newcastle.

“It is the normal life of a player,” Amorim added. “Sometimes you are in the good moments, sometimes you struggle. Sometimes it depends on the team or the game. Maybe the game today with a lot of transitions is good for his ability to drive with the ball. I think he did well.”