The moment is optimal to change Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager states.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

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

"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

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

"When media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.

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

"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."

Squad Issues Continue

With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off 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 manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.

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

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

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.