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

Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.

"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.

"When the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.

"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."

Availability Crisis Continue

With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.