Now is right to change Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.

While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.

"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.

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

"When media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

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

"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."

Availability Challenges Persist

With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural 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 speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.