The moment is optimal to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.

"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.

"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."

Availability Issues Persist

With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Remains

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.

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

"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.