Now is optimal to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager states.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.

"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.

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

Availability Issues Loom Large

Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain 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 allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Remains

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Players

While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.