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

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.

"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.

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

"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.

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

"We will grow into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."

Availability Issues Continue

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

He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.