Now is optimal to change Man Utd's system - Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.

"Whenever you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.

"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.

"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."

Squad Crisis Loom Large

With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Role Endures

However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.

"He is a natural 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 communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.