The moment is optimal to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.

However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.

"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.

"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.

"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."

Squad Issues Persist

With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Remains

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.