Time is right to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.

"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.

"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.

"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."

Squad Crisis Continue

With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.

He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.

"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.

"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.