Now is right to alter Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.

"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.

"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.

"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."

Availability Crisis Continue

Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.