Time is ripe to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.

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

"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to change.

"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."

Injury Issues Continue

Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.

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

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, 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 is sure his leader to continue providing insight.

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

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.