Now is right to switch Man Utd's system - the manager declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.

"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.

"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."

Availability Crisis Continue

Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.