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

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.

"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.

"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."

Injury Issues Continue

With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Role Endures

However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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 international duty.