The moment is right to change Man Utd's formation - Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.

"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

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

"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."

Availability Issues Continue

Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow 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 match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.