And under Man Utd's Christmas three - Ruben's change of formation

For the first time since arriving at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim abandoned his trademark back three against Newcastle United, opting for a flat back four with two holding midfielders. United held on for only their second clean sheet of the season - even if, as the coach admitted, it morphed into a back six late on.

Talking to the media ahead of their last game of the year on Tuesday against Wolverhampton (11 pm), Amorim was clear: changing earlier would have looked like surrender.

"If I changed because of the media, that would be the end for me," he said. "The players would understand I was reacting to noise, not following a plan."

The Portuguese coach explained the shift had always been part of the process, but only once the team had built enough identity to absorb it.

"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change," Amorim added. "When everyone is fit, we won't always play with three defenders."

United's flexibility comes amid a mounting injury crisis, with seven senior players already ruled out against Wolves.

No luck for Black Stars: United's gem sticks to England despite Ghana rumours

Captain Bruno Fernandes remains sidelined, with "no chance" of featuring, Amorim insisted. Still, he continues to act as an on-field voice from the sidelines.

"He's a leader," Amorim said. "Always talking. Always involved."

The message was clear: United's new shape is not a retreat - it's the next step, and we'll see where it will take them in the very last match of the year.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 19

Tuesday

22.30: (5.50) Burnley (4.30) Newcastle (1.63)

22.30: (1.53) Chelsea (4.60) Bournemouth (6.00)

22.30: (2.15) Nott.Forest (3.35) Everton (3.80)

22.30: (3.70) West Ham (3.60) Brighton (2.10)

23.15: (1.48) Arsenal (4.50) Aston Villa (7.75)

23.15: (1.38) Man.Utd. (5.10) Wolverhampton (9.50)

Thursday

20.30: (2.25) Crystal Palace (3.35) Fulham (3.25)

20.30: (1.53) Liverpool (4.20) Leeds (6.25)

23.00: (2.35) Brentford (3.40) Tottenham (3.00)

23.00: (7.25) Sunderland (4.40) Man.City (1.45)

***odds are subject to change***