Now is right to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.

"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.

"Whenever the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.

"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.

"We will become a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."

Availability Crisis Loom Large

With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.

He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.