Now is optimal to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.

"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

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

"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.

"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."

Squad Crisis Loom Large

Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.