The moment is ripe to alter Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.

"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.

"When the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

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

"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."

Availability Issues Loom Large

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

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.