Time is ripe to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager insists.

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

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.

"When the press talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.

"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."

Injury Crisis Continue

Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury 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 pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Role Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Timeline for Key Players

While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.