The moment is optimal to change Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.

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

He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.

"The goal was to build an style. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

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

"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.

"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."

Squad Challenges Continue

With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.