Now is optimal to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

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

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.

However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.

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

"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.

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

"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.

"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.

"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."

Injury Issues Persist

With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

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

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.

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

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Players

Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.