Time is right to alter Manchester United's formation - Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.

"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.

"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.

"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."

Squad Crisis Loom Large

Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players 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 duty.