Now is right to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.

"The goal was to build an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.

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

"When the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.

"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.

"We will grow into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.