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

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his squad 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 approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.

"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.

"Whenever you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.

"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."

Injury Issues Persist

With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel

While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.