Now is optimal to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

While he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.

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

"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.

"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."

Injury Issues Continue

With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.

He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Timeline for Key Players

Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.