The moment is ripe to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.

"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.

"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.

"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."

Squad Issues Continue

Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.

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

The Captain's Leadership Remains

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player 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 sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.