Time is right to change Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.

"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.

"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.

"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.

"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."

Availability Challenges Loom Large

With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Players

Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.