Now is right to alter Manchester United's system - Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.

"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.

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

"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to evolve.

"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."

Availability Issues Persist

Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.