The moment is ripe to switch Man Utd's formation - Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.

"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

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

"Whenever the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.

"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."

Squad Challenges Persist

Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.