Time is optimal to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.

"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.

"When the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.

"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."

Squad Crisis Continue

Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

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

Fernandes' Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."

Return Timeline for Key Players

Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.