The moment is ripe to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager states.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his strategy.

However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to build an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

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

"When media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

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

"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."

Squad Challenges Persist

Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.

"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.