The moment is optimal to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.

"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.

"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.

"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."

Squad Issues Persist

Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.