Now is right to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

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

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.

"Whenever you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

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

"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."

Availability Crisis Continue

With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.