The moment is ripe to change Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to change.

"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."

Injury Issues Continue

With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Players

While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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 continental duty.