Now is ripe to change Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.

However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.

"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.

"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.

"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."

Squad Challenges Persist

With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase 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 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 make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 providing insight.

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

"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.