Now is ripe to change Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager states.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.

"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.

"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.

"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."

Availability Crisis Continue

Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

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