Now is ripe to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.

"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.

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

"Whenever media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.

"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."

Squad Crisis Continue

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

He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.

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

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

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

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.