Time is optimal to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"The goal was to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.

"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.

"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."

Availability Crisis Continue

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

He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Players

While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.