Now is ripe to change Manchester United's formation - Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.

"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.

"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

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

"When you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.

"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."

Squad Issues Persist

Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player 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 at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Players

Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.