Now is right to switch Man Utd's system - Amorim insists.

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

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.

"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.

"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.

"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."

Squad Issues Continue

Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

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

"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

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