The moment is ripe to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.

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

"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.

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

"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.

"We will become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."

Availability Challenges Persist

With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.

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

The Captain's Leadership Endures

However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, 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 born leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Schedule for Key Players

While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.