Now is ripe to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.

"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

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

"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.

"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.

"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."

Squad Crisis Persist

With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.