The moment is right to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.

However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.

"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.

"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.

"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."

Availability Challenges Continue

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

He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch 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 expects his captain to continue providing guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.