Now is ripe to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.

"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.

"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to evolve.

"This will help us become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."

Injury Issues Persist

Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal 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 urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 providing guidance.

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

"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, 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 position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.