Now is ripe to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.

"We were trying to build an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

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

"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.

"This will help us grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.