The moment is ripe to alter Man Utd's system - Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.

"When media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.

"We will grow into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."

Squad Challenges Continue

Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.

He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.