Now is optimal to switch Manchester United's formation - Ruben Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

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

"When the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to change.

"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."

Injury Challenges Loom Large

Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit 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 urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.