The moment is optimal to alter Man Utd's formation - Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.

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

"When the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.

"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."

Availability Crisis Continue

Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Role Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Players

While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.