The moment is right to alter Manchester United's tactical setup - Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.

"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.

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

"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.

"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."

Injury Challenges Loom Large

With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

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

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel

While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.