The moment is optimal to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.

"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.

"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.

"Whenever media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.

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

"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."

Injury Crisis Continue

With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Role Endures

However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

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