Time is optimal to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

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

While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.

"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to evolve.

"We are going to become a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."

Squad Challenges Continue

With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

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