The moment is right to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.

"When media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.

"We are going to become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."

Injury Challenges Loom Large

Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.