Now is optimal to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.

"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

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

"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

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

"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."

Squad Crisis Continue

Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.

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

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.