Now is optimal to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.

"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.

"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.

"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."

Squad Crisis Persist

With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

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.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.

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

"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."

Return Timeline for Key Players

Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other 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.