Now is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - Amorim states.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

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

"Whenever you criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.

"We will become a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."

Injury Issues Persist

With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.