Now is optimal to alter Man Utd's formation - the manager insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.

"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.

"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."

Injury Challenges Loom Large

Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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 international duty.